Seed-sized implant: nerve stimulation by injection instead of surgery
Researchers in Abu Dhabi have developed a wireless, battery-free implant placed next to a nerve with a needle. So far it has only been tested in preclinical experiments.
Symbolic image · Photo: Psychonaught / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain (cropped and resized)
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi have unveiled a seed-sized implant that can stimulate nerves without surgery, batteries or wires. It is delivered through a standard needle near the target nerve and powered wirelessly from outside the body. The device delivers programmable electrical stimulation, and doctors can locate and check it with ultrasound or CT. The results were published in the journal Science Advances.
In laboratory and preclinical experiments, the team showed the device could activate nerves in a living organism and performed consistently under conditions resembling real-world use. The announcement gives no numerical results. "This work represents a shift in how we think about treating nerve-related conditions," said senior author Khalil Ramadi.
The technology has not yet been tested in humans. Further studies are needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness, the researchers said; whether it can relieve chronic pain or movement disorders in patients has not been established.
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