Leveraging Interventional Radiology Techniques for Minimally Invasive Neuromodulation

Neurostimulators, which deliver electrical energy to target nerves, represent a promising platform for modulating physiology in diseases ranging from hypertension to chronic pain. Despite their potential, most neurostimulator implants require open surgery to place hardware directly on small diameter and deep nerves, limiting both applications and adoption. Interventional radiology offers a powerful set of tools to overcome these barriers. Techniques such as percutaneous, endovascular, or port-based access, paired with computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), fluoroscopic, or angiographic imaging, can be leveraged to enable minimally invasive targeting of deep nerves. Miniature electrodes and stimulators can be implanted precisely on organ-specific nerve branches or plexuses, providing selective control with fewer side effects. Concurrent advances in device design, including wireless power, millimeter-scale packaging, injectable and stent-like interfaces, and reliable anchoring and retrieval components, will facilitate minimally invasive neurostimulation therapies, especially for the autonomic system.