Wireless microstimulators for neural prosthetics

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2011

Abstract

One of the roadblocks in the field of neural prosthetics is the lack of microelectronic devices for neural stimulation that can last a lifetime in the central nervous system. Wireless multi-electrode arrays are being developed to improve the longevity of implants by eliminating the wire interconnects as well as the chronic tissue reactions due to the tethering forces generated by these wires. An area of research that has not been sufficiently investigated is a simple single-channel passive microstimulator that can collect the stimulus energy that is transmitted wirelessly through the tissue and immediately convert it into the stimulus pulse. For example, many neural prosthetic approaches to intraspinal microstimulation require only a few channels of stimulation. Wired spinal cord implants are not practical for human subjects because of the extensive flexions and rotations that the spinal cord experiences. Thus, intraspinal microstimulation may be a pioneering application that can benefit from submillimetersize floating stimulators. Possible means of energizing such a floating microstimulator, such as optical, acoustic, and electromagnetic waves, are discussed. © 2011 by Begell House, Inc.

Identifier

79960040455 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Critical Reviews in Biomedical Engineering

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1615/CritRevBiomedEng.v39.i1.50

ISSN

0278940X

First Page

63

Last Page

77

Issue

1

Volume

39

Grant

R01EB009100

Fund Ref

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

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