Wireless Neurosensing Implant Using RF Backscatter Through Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neural recording technologies, such as electrocorticogram (ECoG), are invasive and pose risks like infection and discomfort due to protruding wires, and existing wireless recorders are inefficient and large in size, posing safety and efficiency challenges for neural signal monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A battery-less, wireless neurosensing system (WiNS) using a sensor implanted in the subject that communicates via electromagnetic signals with an external interrogator, incorporating a Schottky diode and impedance matching network for efficient signal mixing and transmission, and utilizing dual-band antennas for near-field communication through skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ECoG recording is used, then neural signals can be detected, but the patient is exposed to increased risk of infection, hemorrhage, and significant discomfort due to protruding wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful protruding wire component from the ECoG system by implementing a fully implantable device where all connections are internal. The external interrogator communicates wirelessly with the implanted sensor, removing the need for wires that protrude from the skull and cause infection, hemorrhage, and discomfort risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless communication system between the external interrogator and the implanted sensor. This intermediary RF communication mechanism replaces the direct physical wire connection, allowing neural signal transmission without exposing the patient to wire-related harmful factors while maintaining signal detection reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing wireless recorders are used, then wire-related risks are reduced, but the devices are inefficient and large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated implantable device. The sensor, impedance matching network, and signal processing components are combined within a compact implant that fits within the skull, eliminating the need for separate external hardware and reducing overall device volume while maintaining wireless operation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a passive impedance matching network that dynamically adapts to match the impedance of the neural tissue and the RF communication requirements. This parameter adaptation allows efficient signal transmission at different frequencies and conditions without requiring large buffer components, enabling compact device design.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery-powered wireless systems are used, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but power consumption and safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a passive implant design where the implantable sensor does not require its own power source. Instead, it harvests energy from the external RF interrogator signal to power its operations. This self-service approach eliminates battery-related safety concerns and reduces overall power consumption while enabling continuous monitoring through the external power source.
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 system enables safe, continuous, and efficient monitoring of neural signals with reduced size and power consumption, allowing for early disease detection and personalized treatment strategies.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna (e.g., a near-field communication (NFC) antenna and/or a radio frequency (RF) antenna) configured to communicate with the interrogator while the implant is implanted/embedded in the subject
Implementation Method 2
The sensor can mix the carrier signal with an electrical signal of interest (SoI) and transmit it back to the external interrogator for posterior demodulation and/or processing
Implementation Method 3
The implant can be configured to receive the carrier signal from the interrogator, mix the carrier signal with a SoI (e.g., neural signals, cardiac signals, electrochemically-based signals such as those coming from a stent and the sensor in combination) from the subject to generate the modulated signal, and backscatter the modulated signal to the interrogator
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for neurosensing are provided. A wireless neurosensing system (WiNS), which can be battery-less and/or multichannel, can include a sensor that receives an external electromagnetic (EM) signal (i.e., a carrier signal) through biological tissue communication. The sensor can be configured to be implanted into a subject (e.g., an organoid or a mammalian subject, such as a human subject) and can be referred to herein as the implant. The external EM signal can be received from an interrogator configured to remain outside the subject. The sensor can mix the carrier signal with an electrical signal of interest (SoI) and transmit it back to the external interrogator for posterior demodulation and/or processing. The systems and methods can be employed in many applications to measure the electrical signal in biological or non-biological settings.