Ultrasonic Neural Implant Stimulation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neural implants face challenges due to the foreign body response (FBR), which leads to glial scarring and reduced longevity, and there is a lack of systems for applying ultrasound stimulation directly to implanted or native injuries to improve tissue integration and reduce inflammation.
Innovation Solution
A device that delivers acoustic stimulation, specifically ultrasonic vibrations, to the tissue surrounding an implant or injury using a transducer and acoustic coupling medium to reduce the immune response and enhance recording quality, comprising a transducer assembly that targets the implant or injury site with controlled acoustic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If penetrating neural electrode arrays are used to improve spatial and temporal resolution, then recording quality is improved, but foreign body response and glial scarring increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies ultrasonic stimulation to the tissue surrounding the implant before the foreign body response fully develops, particularly during the critical first two weeks post-implantation. This preliminary action prevents glial scarring from forming around the electrodes, thereby maintaining recording quality over the long term while preserving the high spatial and temporal resolution benefits of penetrating arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system delivers ultrasonic stimulation in periodic pulses at specific frequencies (e.g., 1 MHz) and duty cycles (e.g., 5% duty cycle with 5-minute on periods followed by 5-minute off periods). This periodic application of acoustic energy reduces inflammation and foreign body response while minimizing thermal effects on the tissue and implant.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If ultrasonic stimulation is applied to reduce foreign body response, then implant longevity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: the neural implant electrode array and the external ultrasonic stimulation device. This segmentation allows the implant to remain simple while the external device handles the complex ultrasonic generation and control functions. The external device can be applied selectively during critical periods (first two weeks) rather than continuously, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
An acoustic coupling medium serves as an intermediary between the ultrasonic transducer and the tissue surrounding the implant. This medium facilitates efficient transmission of ultrasonic energy to the target tissue while protecting the transducer from direct tissue contact. The coupling medium simplifies the interface between the external device and the implant site.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device improves the longevity and performance of neural implants by reducing FBR and inflammation, allowing for better recording quality and extended tissue integration, and can also be used to treat native injuries by applying ultrasound to the affected tissue area.
Implementation Method 1
The device comprises a transducer capable of producing various frequencies of acoustic vibration
Implementation Method 2
In at least one embodiment, such acoustic vibrations are ultrasonic vibrations
Implementation Method 3
The device applies a field of acoustic vibrations to areas of tissue directly surrounding the electrode(s)
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for reducing foreign body response in a subject caused by an invasive or non-invasive tissue injury at a target site. A base with aperture is secured to the subject in proximity to the target site with an implant extending therethrough. The base includes a sloped channel that receives an alignment tab of a housing, permitting vertical adjustment of the housing relative to the base along a continuum by rotation of the housing. The housing contains a transducer generating vibrations when activated, an acoustic horn in contact with the transducer transmitting the vibrations through the base aperture to the subject tissue at the target site, and a compressible polymer surrounding a portion of the horn at the terminal end of the housing that conforms to the subject's interface and transmits vibrations to the target site for reducing foreign body response or microgliosis in the subject.