Ultra-flexible Coil for Wireless Endovascular Cortical Stimulation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Endovascular devices offer minimally invasive options for neural stimulation in treating neurological disorders.
• Existing wired endovascular devices face challenges like endothelial cell response and wire wear.
• Open-skull surgeries carry significant risks, necessitating advanced alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a fully wireless, ultra-flexible endovascular neural stimulator.
• To assess the feasibility of using this device for cortical neural stimulation.
• To demonstrate a safer, minimally invasive alternative for treating neurological conditions.

Main Methods:

• Designed a novel coil on a mesh structure for ultra-flexibility.
• Implanted the device into the superior sagittal sinus of a sheep model using catheter-based procedures.
• Analyzed wireless power transfer efficiency (PTE) theoretically, via simulation, and through benchtop and animal experiments.
• Validated neural stimulation using external pulse-modulation.

Main Results:

• Successfully implanted the flexible device into cerebral veins, showing adaptability to complex vasculature.
• Demonstrated efficient wireless power transfer and validated neural stimulation capabilities.
• Confirmed the device's compatibility with standard neurovascular catheter procedures.

Conclusions:

• The wireless endovascular neural stimulator is feasible for minimally invasive cortical neural stimulation.
• This technology avoids risks associated with open-skull surgery and wired devices.
• Presents a promising solution for future flexible neural interfaces and treatment of neurological disorders like paralysis and epilepsy.