The Development of a New Vagus Nerve Simulation Electroceutical to Improve the Signal Attenuation in a Living Implant Environment


Author: Daeil Jo1,2, Hyunung Lee2, Youlim Jang2, Paul Oh3, Yongjin Kwon1

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Department of Industrial Engineering, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea.

<sup>2</sup> Oceans Bio Co., Ltd., Seoul 04303, Republic of Korea.

<sup>3</sup> Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA.
Conference/Journal: Sensors (Basel)
Date published: 2024 May 16
Other:
 Volume ID: 24   ,  Issue ID: 10   ,  Pages: 3172   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.3390/s24103172.   ,  Word Count: 230  
    An electroceutical is a medical device that uses electrical signals to control biological functions. It can be inserted into the human body as an implant and has several crucial advantages over conventional medicines for certain diseases. This research develops a new vagus nerve simulation (VNS) electroceutical through an innovative approach to overcome the communication limitations of existing devices. A phased array antenna with a better communication performance was developed and applied to the electroceutical prototype. In order to effectively respond to changes in communication signals, we developed the steering algorithm and firmware, and designed the smart communication protocol that operates at a low power that is safe for the patients. This protocol is intended to improve a communication sensitivity related to the transmission and reception distance. Based on this technical approach, the heightened effectiveness and safety of the prototype have been ascertained, with the actual clinical tests using live animals. We confirmed the signal attenuation performance to be excellent, and a smooth communication was achieved even at a distance of 7 m. The prototype showed a much wider communication range than any other existing products. Through this, it is conceivable that various problems due to space constraints can be resolved, hence presenting many benefits to the patients whose last resort to the disease is the VNS electroceutical.



Keywords: IPG; VNS; VNS stimulation therapy; electroceutical; iVNS; implantable pulse generator.



PMID: 38794024 DOI: 10.3390/s24103172