Biomedical Engineering Laboratory is investigating the ultrasonic stimulation of the peripheral nervous system as a technology of human organs for treatment.
Peripheral nervous system connected to the central nervous system is an array of neural connections - the brain and spinal cord - and all the other organs and functions in the body. The basic function of the peripheral nervous system that includes the human autonomic functions, such as heart muscle provisions, voluntary skeletal muscles and sensory organs, such as visual and auditory.
DARPA, through its electronic prescription or ElectRx program designed to explore the use of the peripheral nervous system stimulation, improve physical and mental health. The agency hopes to develop a better scientific knowledge behind the cause invasive stimulation of peripheral nerves, to encourage the natural healing function in the human body technology. ElectRx award results from the feedback control of proof of concept demonstrations neuromodulation.
Colombia team, led by biomedical engineering professor Elisa's Konofagou, being studied as part of this strategy over stimulating role. The most well-known in the medical ultrasound imaging techniques, such as fetal echocardiography image and to view heart shape and motion. The technology is also used for conventional therapies, such as breaking up scar tissue or kidney stones.
Konofagou advanced features ultrasound laboratory investigations, including imaging, treatment, and drug delivery systems through the blood-brain barrier. In this project, Konofagou and Colombian engineering and medical colleagues will determine whether ultrasound can produce concentrated nerve stimulation of peripheral organ specific delivery of therapeutic signal. Expected results between the wearable devices went mid-thigh saphenous nerve stimulation, responsible for skin feel.
"We know that, as the ultrasonic wave propagation through biological tissue," Konofagou said in a university statement. “It exerts mechanical pressure on that tissue, which stimulates specific mechanosensitive channels in neurons and causes them to ‘turn on.’ So we think that this is a way we can use ultrasound to turn specific nerves ‘on’ or ‘off’ depending on what the treatment calls for.”
没有评论:
发表评论