Remote Electrical Stimulation Using Implanted Rectifiers
Author Information
Author(s): Ivorra Antoni
Primary Institution: Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
Hypothesis
Can implanted devices act as rectifiers to generate low frequency currents for stimulation from high frequency bursts supplied by remote electrodes?
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that low frequency currents capable of stimulation can be produced by a miniature device acting as a diode when high frequency currents flow through the tissue.
Supporting Evidence
- The study provides numerical evidence that low frequency currents can be generated by a diode implant.
- In vivo testing showed that the implanted device could stimulate muscle contractions in an earthworm.
- The method allows for the miniaturization of implantable devices, potentially below 0.5 mm in diameter.
Takeaway
This study shows that tiny devices can be implanted to help stimulate muscles using safe electrical signals from outside the body.
Methodology
The study used computer simulations and an in vivo proof of concept model with an anesthetized earthworm to validate the proposed method.
Limitations
The energy efficiency of the proposed method is extremely low, requiring significantly more power than delivered at the implant.
Participant Demographics
Anesthetized earthworm (Lumbricus sp.) used for in vivo testing.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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