NEUROPROSTHETIC FOR DIABETICS

Key Terms Edges: The wires in an electrical circuit which provide connectivity Feedback: The output’s process from a system Neuroprosthetic: Prosthetic using a combination of neuroscience and biomedical engineering Nodes: The main components of a system

Key Terms Peripheral Neuropathy: Disease or dysfunction of peripheral nerves causing numbness or weakness Prosthetic: An artificial body part Spikerbox: A device to analyze the neural response of stimulating a cockroach leg System: A set of connected components forming a complex whole

The Need People with diabetes lose feeling in feet which is known as peripheral neuropathy Neuropathy: -Four types (peripheral, autonomic, proximal, and focal) % of diabetics have some neuropathy -Stems from high blood sugar for too long

The Need Peripheral Neuropathy: -Damage to peripheral nervous system (transmits info from brain/spinal cord to every body part) -Commonly affects legs and feet -Prone to increased risk of foot problems -Causes damage to nerves which allow feeling of pain -Symptoms (tingling, numbness, or burning)

Solution Neuroprosthetic: Sock designed to help diabetics suffering from peripheral neuropathy to regain sensation of pain in their feet *No neuroprosthetics currently exists that address this problem* Features: -Custom fitted -Restores sensation of pain -Wireless connectivity b/t sock and electrode array -Information syncs with smartphone

Prototype Bluetooth sender Force sensors Electrode Array w/ Bluetooth receiver

Compression Sock First Creation: Made in 1920’s by Bauerfeind family company in eastern Thuringia (federal state in central Germany) Adoption in US: Americans began wearing it more in 1950’s due to health benefits Adoption Around the World: European governments would pay for citizens who needed the benefits of compression sock therapy to avoid future health problems

High-Tech Arm Sleeve Function: - Helps coach basketball players in increasing the accuracy of their shots -Sleeves are packed with sensors that track their movements for analysis on a computer Creators: -Vibrado Similarities: -An external neuroprosthetic with sensors to assist in tracking information

Neuroprosthetic vs. Spikerbox Inputs: Force sensor, stimulation Outputs: Sense of pain, sound Nodes: Force sensor, Bluetooth sender/receiver, electrode array Cockroach leg, speaker, battery, spikerbox electrodes and wires

Arduino System Breadboard Force Sensor LED Arduino

Arduino System Input: Force sensor Output: LED light Nodes: Wires, resistor, force sensor, LED, Arduino, and breadboard System: Arduino system as a whole Subsystem: Force sensor, LED, Arduino, and breadboard Edges: Wires Equilibrium: Resistors (balance current) Neuroprosthetic System Disruption: Diminished sensation of feeling in legs and feet Feedback: Sensation and reaction to pain

Advancements in Prosthetics Sensor Integration - There is a need for integration of technology into compression socks, similar those in the arm sleeve Waterproof Design - The sock needs to have some plastic cover to encapsulate the sensors to prevent water from reaching it Bluetooth Electrode Array - Build bluetooth receiver into electrode array (focus on security)

Ethical Issues Electrode Array – Invasive technology in human organ Threat to User’s Privacy – Potential harm if technology is hacked or user’s logged data is stolen Cost – Too expensive for diabetics in developing countries Insurance – Insurance companies not covering the full cost of the prosthetic Religion – May interfere with the religious beliefs of people about altering someone’s body

Addressing the Issues Electrode Array – Informing users about all potential threats and making them sign consent forms Threat to User’s Privacy – Ensure that user has choice to have data logged and encrypt software and technology to make it difficult to hack Cost/Insurance – Create government programs to assist insurance companies and people to cover the costs Religion – Depending interpretation of what their religion says about altering the human body, must make their own decision

QUESTIONS