Other Biological Implanted Sensors and Devices EE 4611 Tzaddik Oltman 4/20/2016 Abstract: This presentation introduces some basic advantages of electronic biological implants as well as some of the associated problems. A number of examples of these devices is given along with a brief explanation of the functionality and purpose.

Outline Introduction to “Electroceuticals” Advantages over Conventional Medicines Design Problems Proposed Solutions Current Examples Future Outlook Summary

Electroceuticals Used to describe biologically implanted electronic devices that are made to alter the way the human body acts or reacts using electrical stimulation. Photo courtesy of bostonscientific.comPhoto courtesy of

Advantages of Electronic Implants Highly localized treatment Minimal side effects Much faster reaction time Ability to react to changes Ability to adapt to different patients Single procedure Photo courtesy of

Design Problems Supplying power Batteries - bulky Disposable - many surgeries Rechargeable - implant may be too deep Photo courtesy of bostonscientific.com 4.45cm

Solutions External power - no batteries Mid field power transfer Photos courtesy of web.stanford.edu

Solutions Temporary, biodegradable components Photo courtesy of

Examples Nerve stimulation - rheumatoid arthritis Settles overactive immune systems Potential for wireless charging/communication Photos courtesy of

Examples Nerve stimulation - weight loss Signals brain to stop hunger Photos courtesy of scienceline.org

Examples Muscle stimulation - sleep apnea

Examples Wireless midfield powered electrostimulator Tested at 4.5cm below skin surface Delivers 2mW of power Can be powered through various tissues WIthin safe human threshold Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of

Examples Biodegradable Implants - cranial sensor PLGA - bioresorbable polymer Uses Silicon nanomembrane strain-gauge Measures cranial pressure and temperature Used to monitor patients after brain surgery

Future Possibilities More accurate brain monitoring More understanding of electrical signals in the human body More disorders helped and possibly cured Psychological disorders Chronic pain Addictions Less intrusive techniques Nano-scale implants

Summary Electrical implants used to alter biological functions using electrostimulation are known as “electroceuticals” Electroceuticals have traditionally been powered with disposable batteries which has some downfalls New techniques of powering electronic implants such as wireless charging and external midfield sources are being developed to overcome these downfalls There are many current uses for electroceutical devices including relief of arthritis pain, helping sleep apnea, aiding weight loss, calming epileptic symptoms, and monitoring post-op patients There are also many future possibilities for these technologies as they are developed

References N. S. Artan et al., “A High-Performance Transcutaneous Battery Charger for Medical Implants,” in Annu. Int. Conf. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology, Buenos Aires, 2010, pp J. S. Ho, K. Sanghoek, SY. P. Ada, “Midfield wireless powering for implantable systems,” Proc. IEEE, vol , pp , Apr J.S. Ho et al. “Wireless power transfer to deep-tissue microimplants,” Proc. Nat. Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, vol , pp , Feb S.K. Kang et al., “Bioresorbable silicon electronic sensors for the brain,” Nature, vol , pp71-76, Nov

Five Key Concepts Electronic implants used for electrical stimulation are known as electroceuticals Electroceuticals have benefits over traditional medications such as more localized treatment and fewer side effects Another important benefit to electrical implants is the ability to react to bodily changes and differences between patients The main problem with the development of electroceuticals is power supply The most promising solution to the power supply problem is midfield wireless power