Researchers at New York University Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, have developed a miniature implant that can stimulate nerves without the need for surgery. The device, no larger than a small seed, can be inserted into the body using a standard injection needle and, according to the researchers, represents a promising alternative to existing implants for the treatment of chronic pain and movement disorders.
The technology, the results of which have been published in the scientific journal Science Advances, makes it possible to precisely modulate nerve activity without electricity, wiring or major surgery. This could pave the way for a new generation of less invasive neurostimulation treatments.
Wireless nerve stimulation
The implant is placed close to a target nerve using a hypodermic needle. Once in position, it emits controlled electrical impulses that influence the nerve’s activity. Power is supplied entirely wirelessly via an external system outside the body.
This allows doctors, and potentially patients themselves in the future, to adjust the stimulation in real time to individual needs. According to the researchers, this offers significant added value compared to existing neurostimulation implants, which often require surgery and use built-in batteries or wired systems.
“By using an injectable device instead of a surgical implant, we are making these therapies simpler, safer and more accessible, whilst at the same time maintaining precise control over nerve activity,” said lead researcher Khalil Ramadi, associate professor of bioengineering at NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Tandon.
Monitoring with ultrasound or CT scan
A key advantage of the new implant is that it remains visible using standard imaging techniques such as ultrasound and CT scans. This allows doctors to position the device accurately and monitor its operation during treatment. In addition, the electrical stimulation is programmable. This enables personalised treatment strategies, whereby the stimulation can be tailored to the patient’s specific condition and symptoms.
According to the researchers, this approach can be used for a wide range of neurological conditions in which disturbances in nerve signals play a role. These include chronic pain syndromes, movement disorders and potentially other conditions where neuromodulation is applied.
Preclinical research
In laboratory and preclinical tests, the implant demonstrated consistent performance. The researchers reported precise control of nerves and successful stimulation of nerve tissue under realistic conditions. “This technology can bridge the gap between fully non-invasive treatments and traditional implants,” says lead author Mohamed Elsherif of NYU Abu Dhabi. “It opens the door to therapies that are both effective and easy to administer.”
Although further clinical studies are needed before the system can be used in patients, the researchers see significant benefits. By reducing the need for surgery, risks, recovery times and treatment costs may be reduced.
Neuromodulation
Neuromodulation has long been regarded as a promising treatment method for conditions involving disrupted nerve signals. However, current systems often require surgical implantation, which limits their use to selected patient groups.
The new injectable implant demonstrates that advanced nerve stimulation can also be administered via a much less invasive route. According to the researchers, the project also highlights the value of multidisciplinary collaboration between engineers, doctors and researchers in the development of new medical technology. If follow-up research confirms the results, the technology could contribute to wider availability of personalised neuromodulation therapies for patients worldwide.
Microsurgery
Earlier this year researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed an autonomous robotic system capable of performing one of the most delicate procedures in ophthalmology: retinal vein cannulation (RVC). The technology is designed to treat retinal vein occlusion (RVO), a major cause of vision loss that occurs when a retinal vein becomes blocked.
The system combines robotic assistance, deep learning and advanced imaging technologies, including optical coherence tomography (OCT). Using two precision eye robots and three AI algorithms, it can track needle position, predict movements and autonomously guide a microscopic needle into retinal veins that are only about as thick as a human hair.
