Modeling

Investigators in this field

• Dr. Robert Kirsch
• Dr. Cameron McIntyre
• Dr. Musa Audu

Modeling

Computer-aided design offers several particular advantages over traditional approaches to the development of neurostimulation technology. Such systems typically involve invasive surgeries to place components within the body. During at least the initial phases of development, simulations performed with neurostimulation and musculoskeletal models can take the place of human or animal experimentation, thus avoiding otherwise tedious, invasive, and potentially unsuccessful intermediate versions.

Furthermore, modeling techniques can significantly accelerate the development of advanced neurostimulation technology that restores multiple functions and make use of information extracted from implanted sensors.

In turn, computer-aided design can substantially reduce the development costs and provide the substrate to effectively design sophisticated systems that are beyond the capability of previously used trial-and-error approaches. For example, the basic mechanical feasibility of a proposed motor system neuroprosthesis can be evaluated before it is ever implemented, e.g., it can be determined whether it is even mechanically possible to restore a particular motor function through stimulation of a reasonable number of paralyzed muscles.

In the case of deep brain stimulation, novel electrode designs and stimulation paradigms can be customized to specific neuroanatomical targets and neurophysiological pathologies before the prototyping process even begins, e.g., the explicit geometrical design of the electrode and its target nuclei can be evaluated for the neural response likely to be generated by the stimulation.