Wireless neural interface system
AssigneeModular Bionics Inc.
InventorsIan Loren Halpern, Mark William Merlo
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Abstract
A device system and method for wirelessly communicating through tissue is provided. The device system comprises an implanted device with an array of antennas aligned with a tandem device with an array of antennas outside of the body. The two devices wirelessly communicate in a bi-directional manner. The implanted device can act as a physiological sensor and stimulator, and the external device can act as a controller and relay. Such configurations allow for a range of uses within research and clinical settings.
Claims20
A neural interface, comprising:
- a housing configured to be implanted at a location in a patient under a skull and proximate neural tissue;
- an antenna within the housing and configured to transmit neural data wirelessly to an external device;
- wherein the housing comprises shielding partially surrounding the first antenna,
- wherein the housing comprises one or more shielding-free windows that allow the first antenna to allow wireless transmission at angles between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees with respect to a long axis of the window.
A neural interface, comprising:
- a housing configured to be implanted at a location in a patient in a skull and proximate neural tissue;
- an antenna within the housing and configured to transmit neural data wirelessly to an external device;
- wherein the housing comprises shielding partially surrounding the first antenna,
- wherein the housing comprises one or more shielding-free windows that is configured to allow the first antenna to allow wireless transmission at an angle that is about 90 degrees or more with respect to a long axis of the window.
A method of aligning an implant proximate brain tissue and an external device, comprising:
- implanting the implant proximate neural tissue, the implant comprising an antenna, and a housing comprising shielding partially surrounding the antenna;
- positioning the external device on a skin surface of a scalp, the external device comprising an antenna;
- and
- aligning the implant and the external device sufficient to compress the thickness of skin between the implant and the external device, wherein the shielding extends laterally along a perimeter of the housing by a thickness of between about 0.1 mm and about 10 mm.
A method of aligning an implant proximate brain tissue and an external device, comprising:
- implanting the implant proximate neural tissue, the implant comprising an antenna, and a housing comprising shielding partially surrounding the antenna, wherein the implant comprises an air gap between one or more shielding-free windows and the antenna;
- positioning the external device on a skin surface of a scalp, the external device comprising an antenna;
- and
- aligning the implant and the external device sufficient to compress the thickness of skin between the implant and the external device.
A method of aligning an implant proximate brain tissue and an external device, comprising:
- implanting the implant proximate neural tissue, the implant comprising an antenna, and a housing comprising shielding partially surrounding the antenna, wherein the shielding comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of titanium, niobium, gold, platinum, platinum iridium, carbon, stainless steel, steel, aluminum, and conductive polymers;
- positioning the external device on a skin surface of a scalp, the external device comprising an antenna;
- and
- aligning the implant and the external device sufficient to compress the thickness of skin between the implant and the external device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.