43 research outputs found

    Compact nonlinear model of an implantable electrode array for spinal cord stimulation (SCS)

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    We describe the construction of a model of the electrode-electrolyte interface and surrounding electrolyte in the case of a platinum-electrode array intended for spinal-cord stimulation (SCS) application. We show that a finite, two dimensional, resistor array provides a satisfactory model of the bulk electrolyte, and we identify the complexity required of that resistor array. The electrode-electrolyte interface is modelled in a fashion suitable for commonly-available, compact simulators using a nonlinear extension of the model of Franks et al. that incorporates diodes and a memristor. The electrode-electrolyte interface model accounts for the nonlinear current-overpotential characteristic and diffusion-limiting effects. We characterise a commercial, implantable, electrode array, fit the model to it, and show that the model successfully predicts subtle operational characteristics

    Scaling of Electrode-Electrolyte Interface Model Parameters In Phosphate Buffered Saline

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    We report how the impedance presented by a platinum electrode scales with the concentration of phosphate buffered saline (PBS). We find that the constant phase element of the model scales with approximately the log of concentration, whereas the resistivity is inversely proportional. Using a novel DC measurement technique we show that the Faradaic response of a platinum electrode, and thus the safe exposure limit, does not scale with concentration below 900mV overpotential across a pair of electrodes. We compare objective measurements made in saline to those made in the spinal cavity of live sheep. We comment upon the appropriateness of using PBS as a substitute for living sheep

    Towards Bio-impedance Based Labs: A Review

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    In this article, some of the main contributions to BI (Bio-Impedance) parameter-based systems for medical, biological and industrial fields, oriented to develop micro laboratory systems are summarized. These small systems are enabled by the development of new measurement techniques and systems (labs), based on the impedance as biomarker. The electrical properties of the life mater allow the straightforward, low cost and usually non-invasive measurement methods to define its status or value, with the possibility to know its time evolution. This work proposes a review of bio-impedance based methods being employed to develop new LoC (Lab-on-a-Chips) systems, and some open problems identified as main research challenges, such as, the accuracy limits of measurements techniques, the role of the microelectrode-biological impedance modeling in measurements and system portability specifications demanded for many applications.Spanish founded Project: TEC 2013-46242-C3-1-P: Integrated Microsystem for Cell Culture AssaysFEDE

    Cause of pulse artefacts inherent to the electrodes of neuromodulation implants

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    The current pulses delivered through platinum electrodes by medical implants to recruit neurones give rise to slowly-decaying voltage tails, called "artefacts''. These tails make measurement of evoked potentials following the pulses very difficult. We present evidence to show that in a typical clinical scenario these tails are mostly caused by concentration gradients of species induced in the electrical double layer adsorbed onto the surface of both stimulating and passive electrodes. A compact model is presented that allows simulation of these artefacts. The model is verified against measurements made in saline. This shows that electrode artefacts are an intrinsic property of the conductive electrodes of a lead

    New results for battery impedance at very low frequencies

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    In search of an equivalent circuit model for rechargeable batteries, many authors start with a measurement of battery impedance, spanning what is presumed to be the frequency range of interest. Various networks have been suggested in the literature to account for the measured impedance characteristic. Most incorporate two or more resistors, at least one capacitor, some include at least one Warburg element, and more recently “constant phase elements”(CPE), otherwise identified as fractional-derivative capacitors. Networks that are more successful at reproducing the measured impedance have from five up to tens of degrees of freedom. The frequency range upon which most models are based extends only to 1mHz. This is surprising since many batteries see a daily or longer usage cycle, corresponding to a frequency of ≈ 11.6 μHz or lower. We show in this manuscript that the most-cited impedance measurement instrument, and one of the few that can operate below 1mHz, can be unreliable at and below this boundary. We present a novel impedance measurement algorithm robust against the issues present while measuring the impedance of electrochemical systems to as low as 1 μHz. Next, we present reliable impedance data extending to a lower frequency limit of 10 μHz. A remarkable characteristic appears at the lower frequencies, suggesting a surprisingly simple and elegant equivalent circuit consisting of a single fractional capacitor. A new model is proposed, which requires only four parameters to predict the measured impedance as a function of frequency

    Extending randles’s battery model to predict impedance, charge-voltage, and runtime characteristics

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    The impedance of a battery can be modelled with an elegant fractional-capacitor or “constant phase element” (CPE) equivalent circuit and a series resistor. In this manuscript, we present new evidence that suggests that a linear model similar to Randles’ comprised solely of this impedance network is able to predict both the charge-voltage relationship epitomised by the familiar hysteresis curve of voltage as a function of charge as a battery charges and discharges through its linear region, and the recovery or “equilibration” transient that results from a step change in load current. The proposed model is unique in that it does not contain a source, either voltage or current, nor any purely reactive elements. There are important potential advantages of a passive battery model

    Beyond Tissue replacement: The Emerging role of smart implants in healthcare

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    Smart implants are increasingly used to treat various diseases, track patient status, and restore tissue and organ function. These devices support internal organs, actively stimulate nerves, and monitor essential functions. With continuous monitoring or stimulation, patient observation quality and subsequent treatment can be improved. Additionally, using biodegradable and entirely excreted implant materials eliminates the need for surgical removal, providing a patient-friendly solution. In this review, we classify smart implants and discuss the latest prototypes, materials, and technologies employed in their creation. Our focus lies in exploring medical devices beyond replacing an organ or tissue and incorporating new functionality through sensors and electronic circuits. We also examine the advantages, opportunities, and challenges of creating implantable devices that preserve all critical functions. By presenting an in-depth overview of the current state-of-the-art smart implants, we shed light on persistent issues and limitations while discussing potential avenues for future advancements in materials used for these devices

    Influence of transdermal current flow in tDCS-induced cutaneous adverse events

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    Significant contributors to the broad application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are portability, ease-of-use, and tolerability; with adverse events limited to transient and mild cutaneous sensations (e.g. perception of burning, itching, and tingling) and erythema. However, the fundamental questions remain about the mechanism of transdermal current flow during transcranial electrical stimulation, including tDCS. Example of previously unexplained questions in tDCS include: 1) the relationship between tDCS-induced skin reddening (erythema) profile and local current density profile predicted by the model; 2) the source of burning sensation during tDCS and whether it is related to an actual skin heating; 3) the role of skin multi-layers and ultrastructures (blood vessels, sweat glands, and hair follicles) in current flow. The finite element modeling (FEM) of current flow using simplified tissue geometries predict higher current density at the electrode edge, but the experimental evidences for the cutaneous effects of tDCS (skin heating or skin reddening) are unclear. Prior skin models of cutaneous current flow lacked anatomical details that will a priori be expected to govern current flow patterns. In this dissertation we address the aforementioned questions by: first quantifying tDCS-induced skin erythema profile alongside FEM predicting local current density profile; then assess the extent of skin heating during tDCS, including the role of joule heating, and relate temperature increase (if any) to burning sensation; and finally develop a realistic skin model to address the role of complex skin tissue layers and ultrastructures in current flow. In the first study, we conclude that the tDCS-induced skin reddening profile is diffuse, higher in active stimulation than sham stimulation, and does not occur at the electrode edges suggesting two alternate hypothesis: 1) skin reddening profile is not related to local current density; and 2) skin current density is relatively uniform, so prior FEM models are incorrect. Next, we conduct phantom measurement suggesting no significant temperature increase due to joule heat as expected at the skin during tDCS. The in vitro human skin temperature measurement suggests that independent of tDCS polarity, temperature increases by about 1oC; an increase during tDCS that is less than the cooling produced following a room-temperature sponge application during the set-up. We conclude that any incremental temperature increase by tDCS may reflect vascular flare response due to current flow, cannot exceed the core body temperature, and is more than the offset by sponge-material coolness, thus, the sensation of skin “burning” during tDCS is not related to an actual increase in temperature. In the final study, we develop a detailed multi-layer skin model including sweat glands, hair follicles, and vasculature, and assess the role of multi-layers and ultrastructures in current flow. The FEM analysis predict that sweat glands eliminates localized current density around the electrode edges, and blood vessels uniformly distribution current across the modeled vasculature under the electrode. We expect that a current flow and bioheat model of such a detailed skin would increase the uniformity of current density and temperature predicted at the skin - consistent with the experimental measurement of skin reddening and skin heating

    Fractional behaviour of rechargeable batteries

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    For decades authors have preferred to model batteries with either Thevenin-style models using RLC, or Randlesstyle by adding a Warburg element. These are claimed to model accurately. We present convincing empirical evidence suggesting that a fractional-derivative (constant-phase element) model is required. Our data shows that existing state-of-the-art models may be overly complicated, requiring numerical rather than physical considerations to find parameters

    WAVEFORM-OPTIMIZED WIRELESS POWER TRANSFER FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES

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    Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPH
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