Depression, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, bipolar disorders… the treatment of many neurological and psychiatric disorders could be transformed by an object no bigger than a pea: the world’s smallest brain implant, less invasive than classic treatments and affordable. to all patients.
It is only the size of a pea and could revolutionize the treatment of certain pathologies: DOT is its real name Digitally programmed therapy over the brain is the latest addition to Rice University’s engineering ranks. It is also the smallest implantable brain stimulator ever tested in humans.
A (very) little gem that could, for example, revolutionize the treatment of drug-resistant depression and offer a less invasive therapeutic alternative and greater effectiveness. autonomyautonomy for patients than current treatments, the researchers hailed in the press release.
Traditional brain stimulation implants are often powered by large batteries located elsewhere in the body and connected to the stimulation device. by using sons. Additionally, they are usually placed inside the brain, which requires invasive surgery.
Less invasive and more accessible than traditional treatments.
Nothing like this at DOT, which uses a special technology called magnetoelectric power transfer. It efficiently converts magnetic fields into electrical impulses, despite its 9-millimeter width. Operating without a battery from an external transmitter, DOT can operate and send electrical signals to the brain without the need to connect to a power source using wires.
In addition, the device is designed to stimulate the brain through dura materdura materwhich is a protective membrane located outside the brain and attached to the base scullscull. Using this technology, the device can send stimulation signals to the brain without the need to be placed inside the brain.
In an article published in the magazine Science achievementsThe researchers announced that they successfully tested the device on pigs for 30 days. They then conducted a temporary trial on a human patient to stimulate him motor cortexmotor cortexwhat led to movementmovement from hand.
DOT can be used at home with a minimum 30-minute implantation procedure and complete patient control over the treatment. Therapeutic development continues and long-term human clinical trials have now been approved. FDAFDA.
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