Wireless Implantable Biomodulation for Battery-Free Recording and Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless implantable devices face challenges in providing spatial specificity and reliable stimulus waveform definition while eliminating active circuitry and batteries, leading to difficulties in implantation and multiple functionality, particularly in treatments like VNS, and lack spatial specificity in non-invasive systems.
Innovation Solution
A biomodulation platform utilizing wireless power transfer techniques to power implantable devices without batteries, enabling smaller size and multiple functionalities, such as biopotential recording and electrical stimulation, with a non-implantable assembly for power and data communication, and an implantable assembly with a power management module and control module for processing and generating stimuli.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If wireless implantable devices use batteries for powering, then the device can provide continuous power for biopotential acquisition and electrical stimulation, but the device volume increases and requires repeated surgeries for battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery from the implantable device, extracting the power source from the implanted component. The battery is replaced by a wireless power transfer system where power is delivered externally through the skin to the implantable device, eliminating the need for an internal battery and reducing device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless power transfer as an intermediary mechanism between the external power source and the implantable device. Power is transmitted through the skin barrier using electromagnetic coupling, serving as a mediator that delivers energy without physical connection or internal battery
2Reliability
If early wireless devices provided separate functionality for biopotential acquisition or electrical stimulation, then each function could be optimized, but a single device cannot support multiple functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal implantable device that can perform multiple functions: biopotential acquisition, electrical stimulation, and data communication. The device uses a single integrated circuit that can operate in different modes depending on the applied signal frequency, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic device that can change its operational mode based on external signals. The integrated circuit can function as a receiver, transmitter, or recorder depending on the frequency and type of signal applied, allowing the device to adapt its functionality in real-time
3Ease of manufacture
If non-invasive systems are used for VNS therapy, then surgery is eliminated, but the systems lack spatial specificity of implanted devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VNS system into two parts: an external wireless power and control unit, and a miniaturized implantable unit with electrodes. This segmentation allows the system to combine the surgical precision of implanted electrodes with the non-invasive convenience of wireless operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the wireless power transfer system to control stimulation delivery. By modulating the frequency and intensity of the applied signal, the system can precisely control when and how stimulation is delivered, achieving spatial and temporal specificity without invasive wiring
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
Enables implantation in anatomical locations not feasible with prior systems, reduces surgery requirements, and provides robust data monitoring and stimulation capabilities with minimal mechanical impact, supporting treatments like VNS and chronic experiments.
Implementation Method 1
a power management module configured to continuously generate one or more operating voltage for the implantable assembly using wireless power transfer from the non-implantable assembly
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Systems and techniques for wireless implantable devices, for example implantable biomedical devices employed for biomodulation. Some embodiments include a biomodulation system including a non-implantable assembly including a source for wireless power transfer and a data communications system, an implantable assembly including a power management module configured to continuously generate one or more operating voltage for the implantable assembly using wireless power transfer from the non-implantable assembly, a control module operably connected to at least one communication channel and at least one stimulation output, the control module including a processor unit to process information sensed via the at least one communication channel and, upon determining a condition exists, to generate an output to trigger the generation of a stimulus.