Intradural approach to selective stimulation in the spinal cord for treatment of intractable pain: Design principles and wireless protocol

M. A. Howard, M. Utz, T. J. Brennan, B. D. Dalm, S. Viljoen, N. D. Jeffery, G. T. Gillies

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

We introduce an intradural approach to spinal cord stimulation for the relief of intractable pain, and describe the biophysical rationale that underlies its design and performance requirements. The proposed device relies on wireless, inductive coupling between a pial surface implant and its epidural controller, and we present the results of benchtop experiments that demonstrate the ability to transmit and receive a frequency-modulated 1.6 MHz carrier signal between micro-coil antennae scaled to the ≈ 1 cm dimensions of the implant, at power levels of about 5 mW. Plans for materials selection, microfabrication, and other aspects of future development are presented and discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number044702
JournalJournal of Applied Physics
Volume110
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 15 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

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