Technologies
The Texas Biomedical Device Center (TxBDC) has developed a wireless implantable device that delivers precise electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve during rehabilitation. This causes the release of neurotransmitters critical for learning and memory. The neurotransmitters strengthen the connections in the brain that allow you to complete a task. When vagus nerve stimulation is paired with traditional rehabilitation using the TxBDC home therapy applications below, patients can improve their recovery from almost anywhere. Read more about the Wireless Vagus Nerve Stimulator.
Wireless Vagus Nerve Stimulator
ReThink
for PTSD
ReThink technology activates vagus nerve stimulation during exposure therapy to reduce the fear response in PTSD patients. The patient uses a smartphone app to listen to weekly recorded therapy sessions while receiving vagus nerve stimulation from the comfort of home.
VIDEO: ReThink Technology for PTSD
RePlay
for Upper Limb Recovery
RePlay technology guides recovery of hand function after a brain or spinal cord injury (SCI). This therapy, which can be done at home, allows patients to play fun and engaging video games that become more challenging as the patient improves. Hand movements are monitored as patients play the games, triggering stimulation of the vagus nerve.
VIDEO: RePlay Technology for SCI
RePair
for Lower Limb Recovery
RePair technology guides the recovery of leg movements after a brain or spinal cord injury. The patient wears sensors on their legs to monitor movements and trigger the vagus nerve stimulator. This technology allows patients to improve leg movement using an app on their smartphone during normal daily activities.
VIDEO: RePair Technology
ReLief
for Tinnitus
ReLief technology treats tinnitus by playing sounds paired with vagus nerve stimulation. Tinnitus can be caused by hyperactive areas in the brain, which can generate the perception of sound. By pairing sounds above and below the tinnitus frequency with vagus nerve stimulation, we are able to shrink the hyperactive part of the brain.
Neurological Diagnostic Tools
Neurotriage System
Detects Brain Impairments
This handheld portable device is capable of quickly measuring an individual’s visual tracking abilities. Through measuring eye movements, we can detect impairments in brain function that are likely to result in poor performance. The system can capture eye movements in under 2 minutes.
Second Derivative
Relative Motion Sensor
Second Derivative is a wireless, wearable device designed to identify and quantify potentially threatening head impacts. Sensors are placed on the head and neck to record relative motion. Data can be sent to analytic software in real time. This system is designed to be used in conjunction with the Neurotriage System.
