Wireless Vagus Nerve Stimulator

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Researchers at the Texas Biomedical Device Center (TxBDC) have developed a therapy to help brain injury patients fully reengage in life. This therapy uses a small wireless device to stimulate the vagus nerve during rehabilitation, rewiring neural circuits and dramatically improving recovery. We call this approach Targeted Plasticity Therapy (TPT).

Dr. Robert Rennaker, professor in the School of Behavior and Brain Science at UTD and associate director of the TxBDC, led the development of the stimulator for delivering Targeted Plasticity Therapy (TPT). The wireless system was designed to give patients the ability to continue therapy from the comfort of their own home using their cellphone or tablet.

Vagus nerve implant

The device is a small, glass encapsulated, wirelessly powered implant that never needs to be replaced. The device is 50 times smaller than current VNS devices, which significantly reduces surgery time.

TxBDC researchers are at the forefront of investigations into neuroplasticity and its role in the development of a wide range of therapies for disorders such as tinnitus and chronic pain, stroke, traumatic brain injury, autism, PTSD, Alzheimer’s disease and peripheral nerve injury.

How does Targeted Plasticity Therapy work?

Rehabilitation activates weak neural connections. Vagus nerve stimulation releases chemicals in the brain that strengthen the active neural connections. By pairing rehabilitation with vagus nerve stimulation, we can strengthen specific neural connections. In doing so, we rewire the brain and enhance recovery. This therapeutic platform has transformative potential to treat a vast range of neurological disorders.

TPT for Upper Limbs

Sensor, which is worn on the arm, monitors movement.
The sensor sends information to the smartphone app.
The PCM (Power and Communication Module) is triggered by the app.
Then the PCM activates the IPG (Implanted Pulse Generator). Driving plasticity to the brain.

TPT for Lower Limbs

Sensor, which is worn on the leg, monitors movement.
The sensor sends information to the smartphone app.
The PCM (Power and Communication Module) is triggered by the app.
Then the PCM activates the IPG (Implanted Pulse Generator). Driving plasticity to the brain.

TPT for Anxiety

Patient participates in talk therapy with a licensed therapist.
A smartphone triggers the PCM (Power and Communication Module) when certain physiological responses are shown.
The PCM powers and communicates with the implanted vagus nerve stimulator.
The stimulator activates the vagus nerve to rewire the brain, enhancing recovery.

TPT for Tinnitus

Patient participates in tone therapy using earphones.
The smartphone app triggers the PCM (Power and Communication Module) during tone therapy.
The PCM powers and communicates with the implanted vagus nerve stimulator.
The stimulator activates the vagus nerve to rewire the brain, enhancing recovery.

Technology To ReWire the Nervous System

Vagus nerve stimulators currently on the market are large, expensive, have leads that break easily and use batteries that need to be replaced. TxBDC developed a small, wireless, mass producible vagus nerve stimulator that overcomes these limitations.

Human hand holding a small medical device

The Benefits

  • Alternative to drugs
  • 50 times smaller
  • 1/5 the cost
  • Wireless
  • Wireless
  • Less invasive
  • MRI conditional
  • Mass producible
  • Few, if any, side effects
  • One time outpatient surgery
  • Powered wirelessly
  • Therapy done at home
  • Unlimited smartphone applications
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