Electrochemical Microstimulator Implant for Reanimation of Eyeblink
Facial nerve injury leads to paralysis of one side of the face, leaving the cornea vulnerable to damage due to dessication. The inability to fully close the eyelid can result in recurrent corneal abrasions, erosions and even ulceration, which can all cause discomfort and impact the quality of life. Existing medical devices use electrical stimulation alone to cause muscle contraction, but the level of electrical stimulus required to reanimate denervated facial muscles is painful, thus limiting clinical applications. Our proposed solution is a hybrid stimulation system that combines low levels of both electrical and chemical stimulation. We are collaborating with Dr. Kimberly Cockerham (Stanford University) and Dr. Alan Scott (Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute) to develop integrated microelectronics for electrical stimulation and MEMS fluidics activation. We will be conducting in vitro and in vivo experiments with the prototyped microelectronic systems.
Selected Publications
“The Application of Nano-Technology and Engineering in Medicine: A New Paradigm for Facial Muscle Reanimation,” K. Cockerham, W. Liu, L. Crow, M. Sivaprakasam, A. Olmos, M. Oehlerbg, O. Pantchenko, and S. Aro, To appear in Expert Review of Medical Devices.
“The Effect of Chronic Denervation on Electrical, Chemical and Electrochemical Stimulation Efficacy,” A. Olmos, M. Oehlberg, M. Gharib, M. Sivaprakasam, K. Cockerham, W. Liu, and D. Liepmann, BMES Annual Fall Meeting, September 2007.
“An Implantable Microsystem for Reanimation of Eyelid Blink,” M. Oehlberg, W. Liu, M. Sivaprakasam, and O. Pantchenko, 8th Annual UC Systemwide Bioengineering Symposium, June 2007.