Wireless Implantable System To Restore Memory
SUMMARY
UCLA researchers have developed a wireless implantable deep brain stimulation system to restore memory in individuals with traumatic brain injury.
BACKGROUND
Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) represent a large and under-addressed population, with 1.7 million new cases in the US annually. Though deep brain stimulation (DBS) technologies are in common clinical use for Parkinson’s Disease and epilepsy, none have been applied to memory restoration in TBI.New scientific and technological advances have created a basis for applying DBS to TBI.
INNOVATION
Researchers have developed a wireless implantable DBS system for patients that delivers electrical brain stimulation. It can function in patients with impaired memory due to TBI to restore and enhance memory. This new technology improves on the DBS electrode design and includes a more compact electronic unit, accomplished with improved data processing algorithms and power optimization strategies.
APPLICATIONS
DBS for:
- Seizure prevention in epilepsy patients
- Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
- Treatment of chronic depression
- Restoring and enhancing memory in epilepsy and TBI patients
Monitoring:
- Neural monitoring in epilepsy
- Cardiac rhythm management
Brain-Machine or Brain-Computer Interfaces (BMIs & BCIs) for neural control of prosthetic devices
Spinal cord neurostimulation for alleviation of chronic pain
Functional restoration of impaired sensory systems (e.g. hearing, vision, tactile sensation)
ADVANTAGES
Stimulation regulated by closed loop feedback system
Based on real-time neural recordings
- High spatial resolution
- High voltage sensing range
Highly compact
- Wireless power and data transfer to/from implantable stimulator (no implanted battery)
- Low power consumption
- Wireless data streaming capability to mobile device/computer
- Simultaneous stimulation and recording capability
- Chronically implantable
STATE OF DEVELOPMENT
The invention has been prototyped and approved for implantation in humans over 5 years.
PATENT STATUS
Patent Pending