HYBRID NEUROPROSTHESIS FOR THE TREATMENT OF BRAIN DISORDERS

摘要

A miniature apparatus for the treatment of brain disorders is provided which is a combination of electronic and pharmacological devices placed and powered entirely within the human body. The apparatus is based on the dual, electrical-molecular, nature of intercellular communication in the brain. The hybrid neuroprosthesis monitors the electrical activity of a dysfunctioning brain area, analyzes the incoming electrical signals, and delivers drug molecules into the dysfunctioning area to correct its function. The apparatus delivers drugs into the brain in such a way that the timing and duration of the drug deliveries are determined by the brain's own electrical activity. The hybrid neuroprosthesis includes: (a) an electrophysiological recording electrode implanted in a dysfunctioning brain site; (b) a miniature electrical signal conditioner to amplify, filter and digitize the incoming electrophysiological signals; (c) a cannula or catheter implanted in the dysfunctioning brain site; (d) a miniature, refillable pump for driving drug solutions through the cannula or catheter; (e) a microcontroller which analyzes on-line the digitized electrophysiological signals and either activates or inactivates the pump on the basis of the analyzed electrophysiological data; (f) a miniature radiotelemetry system which provides data transfer between the apparatus and the outside world; and (g) a rechargeable power supply to power the components of the apparatus. The recording electrode can be complemented with a neurochemical sensor to transmit not only electrophysiological but also neurochemical information from the dysfunctioning brain area to the microcontroller. The components of the apparatus are encapsulated in medical grade silicon.