A microwave powered injectable neural stimulator.
An unexpectedly simple implantable device that can achieve wireless neurostimulation consists of a short 1 cm long dipole platinum wire antenna, a Schottky diode, and a pulsed microwave transmitter. Fabricated into a 1 cm long by polyimide tubing, the implant can have a sub-millimeter diameter form factor suited to introduction into tissue by injection. Experiments that chronically implant the device next to a rat sciatic nerve show that a 915 MHz microwave transmitter emitting an average power of 0.5 watts has an ability to stimulate motor events when spaced up to 7 cm from the body surface. Tissue models consisting of saline filled tanks show the possibility of delivering milliampere pulsed current to neurosimulators though 5 centimeters or more of tissue. Such a neurostimulation system driven by microwave energy is limited in functional tissue depth by microwave SAR exposure. This report discusses some of the advantages and limitations of such a neurostimulation approach.
Harrington Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, USA.
Bruce C
BC
Towe
Patrick J
PJ
Larson
Daniel W
DW
Gulick
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008872:Microwaves; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012666:Semiconductors; D059015:Wireless Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*