A University of Pittsburgh researcher has produced a novel implantable cranial computer device with the ability to receive signals from the brain and transmit to the nervous system. Unlike existing devices, this device will be implanted below the scalp.
Description
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are devices that collect and analyze brain signals and translate them into actions for an output device. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has shown great potential in improving the lives of people with neuromuscular disabilities including stroke and Parkinson’s disease. Current estimates place the global market for DBS devices at more than a billion dollars. With increasing uses for DBS leading to increasing demand among patients, this novel device has the potential to revolutionize DBS through increasing the power and complexity of hardware implanted into a patient.
Applications
• Parkinson’s disease
• Stroke
• Neurological disorders including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and dystonia
Advantages
Current DBS devices are implanted in subcutaneous tissue at the chest. Wires are run under the skin of the neck to the scalp where holes are drilled in the skull and the wires attached to the desired area of the brain. The procedure can lead to wire erosion through the scalp due to focal pressure or wires breaking in the neck. Distance between implant and circuitry can also impact on signal quality and circuitry size can be limited due to space availability around the chest area.
This novel device can overcome these issues. Circuitry will be closer to the end of lead wires increasing signal accuracy and the device will be placed below the scalp, removing the risk of wire damage by neck motions. This device is designed to have a low profile, 5–6 mm vertical height and over a larger surface area resulting in more circuitry and avoiding any focal pressure points. Additionally, continuous EEG monitoring can be incorporated, as well as delivery of medications from a reservoir in the device. Power can be distributed evenly across the scalp, increasing the application of the device to include vision restoration or control of prosthetics. Finally, the circuit board and power source will be flexible allowing for insertion through a small surgical incision.
Invention Readiness
A prototype has been built. Medical grade silicone was molded over a model skull and a flexible, thin circuit board capable of sensing signals from neural tissue and transmitting signals to the nervous system was embedded. An embedded flexible battery array was also included. This prototype could transmit wirelessly via Bluetooth to an external computer to control the functions of the implant. Further work is required to optimize this device including a low profile to ensure discrete placement of the device between a user’s scalp and the calvarium bone, ideally 5–6 mm in vertical height.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2023049145A1
