Rice University engineers have developed the smallest implantable brain stimulator demonstrated in a human patient, which could be a game-changer for treating drug-resistant depression and other psychiatric or neurological disorders1. This device, named the Digitally programmable Over-brain Therapeutic (DOT), is about the size of a pea and can be powered wirelessly via an external transmitter1.
The DOT can stimulate the brain through the dura, the protective membrane attached to the bottom of the skull, making it less invasive than other brain-computer interfaces (BCIs)1. It offers greater patient autonomy and accessibility compared to current neurostimulation-based therapies1.
The technology behind this innovation is a magnetoelectric power transfer technology, which eliminates the need for a battery or wired power supply. This allows for a more efficient conversion process at small scales and has good misalignment tolerance, meaning it does not require complex maneuvering to activate and control1.
The device has been successfully used to activate the motor cortex, resulting in the patient moving their hand. Future applications could include placing the implant above other parts of the brain, like the prefrontal cortex, to improve executive functioning in people with depression or other disorders1.
This breakthrough could significantly reduce the burden of hardware implantation, risks of wire breakage or failure, and the need for future battery replacement surgeries, making it a significant step forward in neurotech research1.
