Image Credit: Pompeu Fabra University
Prof. Antony Ivorra’s Biomedical Electronics Research Group at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona is developing an injectable neurostimulator that they call the eAxon Electronic Axon.
The thread-like IPG is externally powered using high-frequency, volume-conduction currents delivered transcutaneously by an wearable transmitter through electrically-conductive fabric in contact with the skin. The same currents enable bi-directional communication between the external transmitter and the implant, enabling not only stimulation of deep-seated nerves and muscles, but also sensing, and hence opening the possibility of closed-loop control.
The IPGs contain a microcontroller-based circuit, so multiple IPGs can be implanted and controlled by a single transmitter. Furthermore, unlike inductively-powered devices, the tansmitter does not need to be precisely positioned over the implant locations.
Details about the system are presented in detail through a series of videos in the main eAxon page. Click on the image below for a high-resolution pdf copy of the eAxon flyer: eAxon Flyer:
Image Credit: eAxon