Researchers from the Zhou Lab at the University of Southern California have demonstrated the effectiveness of a new technique in pain relief that uses a flexible, ultrasound-induced wireless implantable (UIWI) stimulator, secured to the spine, that harnesses AI to deliver personalised pain management.
Current implantable electrical stimulators work by stimulating the spinal cord to block pain signals from reaching the brain. These devices come with drawbacks like high cost, invasive surgery, and the need for frequent battery replacements.
The new device is designed to bend and twist with movement and is powered by a wearable ultrasound transmitter without the need for a battery. It also utilises machine learning algorithms to customise treatment for each patient by monitoring their brain signals and then adapting the acoustic energy it transmits to the detected pain level.
At the heart of this innovation is its wireless power supply, eliminating the need for bulky batteries and complex wired interfaces that often require repeated surgeries. The UIWI stimulator receives its energy from an external, wearable, ultrasound transmitter (WUT).
The device converts mechanical waves into electrical signals through a phenomenon called the piezoelectric effect. The core of the UIWI stimulator is a miniaturized piezoelectric element made from lead zirconate titanate (PZT), a highly efficient material for converting incoming ultrasound energy into the electrical power needed for stimulation.