Description:
INV-18123
Background
Neural stimulation is an effective mechanism to treat a wide range of neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease, major depression and stroke.
Micro-electrode based devices have been widely used for neural modulation; however, these electrodes have limitations. For instance, micro-electrodes have difficulty keeping consistent responses for long periods of time. This is due to the direct contact of electrodes with extracellular membranes, which cause reduction and oxidation at the electrode-tissue interface, increase the electrodes impedance, and change the stimulation threshold.
Technology Overview
To eliminate this problem, magnetic coils are used in the proposed method, which describes a neurostimulator design with increased lifetime.
This is made possible by utilizing micro-solenoid inductors with a magnetic core which are enveloped in a biocompatible material, preventing degradation of the inductor itself (which is never in direct contact with tissues).
It is also smaller in size than the current magnetic devices, allowing increased spatial resolution.
Benefits
- The coils generate electric fields an order of magnitude stronger
- Improved coil functionality
Applications
- Treatment of neurological disorder
- Treatment of Parkinson's disease, major depression, stroke
Opportunity
- License
- Partnering
- Research Collaboration