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Olfactory Implants to Restore Smell: Where to Stimulate?
Zachary Whong1, Richard M Costanzo1, Daniel H Coelho1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
Summary
The olfactory bulb is the most promising target for electrical stimulation via olfactory implants to restore the sense of smell. Research indicates its suitability for developing new smell restoration technologies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Restoring the sense of smell (olfaction) is a significant challenge in treating smell dysfunction.
- Electrical stimulation of the olfactory system is a potential therapeutic approach for olfactory implants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the viability of different anatomical targets within the olfactory system for electrical stimulation by an olfactory implant.
- To identify the most suitable target for restoring smell.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of existing research on olfactory implant development.
- Emphasis on stimulation feasibility and elicitation of olfactory percepts.
- Evaluation of surgical accessibility, functional specificity, and interindividual variability.
Main Results:
- The olfactory epithelium is accessible but limited by degeneration and variability.
- The olfactory bulb shows promise with spatially specific percepts in animal models and early human studies.
- Central olfactory system stimulation yields non-specific percepts; non-invasive methods are experimental.
Conclusions:
- The olfactory bulb is the most viable target for olfactory implant development.
- Its role in early olfactory processing and emerging surgical approaches support its candidacy.
- Further development is needed to restore olfactory percepts effectively.
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