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Search Results (496)

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Keywords = implantable electrode

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16 pages, 1134 KiB  
Article
Neural Correlates of Loudness Coding in Two Types of Cochlear Implants—A Model Study
by Ilja M. Venema, Savine S. M. Martens, Randy K. Kalkman, Jeroen J. Briaire and Johan H. M. Frijns
Technologies 2025, 13(8), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13080331 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 183
Abstract
Many speech coding strategies have been developed over the years, but comparing them has been convoluted due to the difficulty in disentangling brand-specific and patient-specific factors from strategy-specific factors that contribute to speech understanding. Here, we present a comparison with a ‘virtual’ patient, [...] Read more.
Many speech coding strategies have been developed over the years, but comparing them has been convoluted due to the difficulty in disentangling brand-specific and patient-specific factors from strategy-specific factors that contribute to speech understanding. Here, we present a comparison with a ‘virtual’ patient, by comparing two strategies from two different manufacturers, Advanced Combination Encoder (ACE) versus HiResolution Fidelity 120 (F120), running on two different implant systems in a computational model with the same anatomy and neural properties. We fitted both strategies to an expected T-level and C- or M-level based on the spike rate for each electrode contact’s allocated frequency (center electrode frequency) of the respective array. This paper highlights neural and electrical differences due to brand-specific characteristics such as pulse rate/channel, recruitment of adjacent electrodes, and presence of subthreshold pulses or interphase gaps. These differences lead to considerably different recruitment patterns of nerve fibers, while achieving the same total spike rates, i.e., loudness percepts. Also, loudness growth curves differ significantly between brands. The model is able to demonstrate considerable electrical and neural differences in the way loudness growth is achieved in CIs from different manufacturers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Challenges and Prospects in Cochlear Implantation)
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16 pages, 3091 KiB  
Article
Fabrication and Evaluation of Screen-Printed Electrodes on Chitosan Films for Cardiac Patch Applications with In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation
by Yu-Hsin Lin, Yong-Ji Chen, Jen-Tsai Liu, Ching-Shu Yen, Yi-Zhen Lin, Xiu-Wei Zhou, Shu-Ying Chen, Jhe-Lun Hu, Chi-Hsiang Wu, Ching-Jung Chen, Pei-Leun Kang and Shwu-Jen Chang
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2088; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152088 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 287
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) remains one of the most common cardiovascular diseases and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In recent years, natural polymeric patches have attracted increasing attention as a promising therapeutic platform for myocardial tissue repair. This study explored the [...] Read more.
Myocardial infarction (MI) remains one of the most common cardiovascular diseases and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In recent years, natural polymeric patches have attracted increasing attention as a promising therapeutic platform for myocardial tissue repair. This study explored the fabrication and evaluation of screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) on chitosan film as a novel platform for cardiac patch applications. Chitosan is a biodegradable and biocompatible natural polymer that provides an ideal substrate for SPEs, providing mechanical stability and promoting cell adhesion. Silver ink was employed to enhance electrochemical performance, and the electrodes exhibited strong adhesion and structural integrity under wet conditions. Mechanical testing and swelling ratio analysis were conducted to assess the patch’s physical robustness and aqueous stability. Silver ink was employed to enhance electrochemical performance, which was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry. In vitro, electrical stimulation through the chitosan–SPE patch significantly increased the expression of cardiac-specific genes (GATA-4, β-MHC, troponin I) in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), indicating early cardiogenic differentiation potential. In vivo, the implantation of the chitosan–SPE patch in a rat MI model demonstrated good tissue integration, preserved myocardial structure, and enhanced ventricular wall thickness, indicating that the patch has the potential to serve as a functional cardiac scaffold. These findings support the feasibility of screen-printed electrodes fabricated on chitosan film substrates as a cost-effective and scalable platform for cardiac repair, offering a foundation for future applications in cardiac tissue engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)
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24 pages, 6108 KiB  
Review
Angiogenic Cell Precursors and Neural Cell Precursors in Service to the Brain–Computer Interface
by Fraser C. Henderson and Kelly Tuchman
Cells 2025, 14(15), 1163; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14151163 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 495
Abstract
The application of artificial intelligence through the brain–computer interface (BCI) is proving to be one of the great advances in neuroscience today. The development of surface electrodes over the cortex and very fine electrodes that can be stereotactically implanted in the brain have [...] Read more.
The application of artificial intelligence through the brain–computer interface (BCI) is proving to be one of the great advances in neuroscience today. The development of surface electrodes over the cortex and very fine electrodes that can be stereotactically implanted in the brain have moved the science forward to the extent that paralyzed people can play chess and blind people can read letters. However, the introduction of foreign bodies into deeper parts of the central nervous system results in foreign body reaction, scarring, apoptosis, and decreased signaling. Implanted electrodes activate microglia, causing the release of inflammatory factors, the recruitment of systemic inflammatory cells to the site of injury, and ultimately glial scarring and the encapsulation of the electrode. Recordings historically fail between 6 months and 1 year; the longest BCI in use has been 7 years. This article proposes a biomolecular strategy provided by angiogenic cell precursors (ACPs) and nerve cell precursors (NCPs), administered intrathecally. This combination of cells is anticipated to sustain and promote learning across the BCI. Together, through the downstream activation of neurotrophic factors, they may exert a salutary immunomodulatory suppression of inflammation, anti-apoptosis, homeostasis, angiogenesis, differentiation, synaptogenesis, neuritogenesis, and learning-associated plasticity. Full article
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15 pages, 1629 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Proteomic Landscape of Cochlear Implant Trauma: An iTRAQ-Based Quantitative Analysis Utilizing an Ex Vivo Model
by Jake Langlie, Rahul Mittal, David H. Elisha, Jaimee Cooper, Hannah Marwede, Julian Purrinos, Maria-Pia Tuset, Keelin McKenna, Max Zalta, Jeenu Mittal and Adrien A. Eshraghi
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(14), 5115; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14145115 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 330
Abstract
Background: Cochlear implantation is widely used to provide auditory rehabilitation to individuals with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, electrode insertion during cochlear implantation leads to inner ear trauma, damage to sensory structures, and consequently, loss of residual hearing. There is very limited information [...] Read more.
Background: Cochlear implantation is widely used to provide auditory rehabilitation to individuals with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, electrode insertion during cochlear implantation leads to inner ear trauma, damage to sensory structures, and consequently, loss of residual hearing. There is very limited information regarding the target proteins involved in electrode insertion trauma (EIT) following cochlear implantation. Methods: The aim of our study was to identify target proteins and host molecular pathways involved in cochlear damage following EIT utilizing the iTRAQ™ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification) technique using our ex vivo model. The organ of Corti (OC) explants were dissected from postnatal day 3 rats and subjected to EIT or left untreated (control). The proteins were extracted, labelled, and subjected to ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Results: We identified distinct molecular pathways involved in EIT-induced cochlear damage. Confocal microscopy confirmed the expression of these identified proteins in OC explants subjected to EIT. By separating the apical, middle, and basal cochlear turns, we deciphered a topographic array of host molecular pathways that extend from the base to the apex of the cochlea, which are activated post-trauma following cochlear implantation. Conclusions: The identification of target proteins involved in cochlear damage will provide novel therapeutic targets for the development of effective treatment modalities for the preservation of residual hearing in implanted individuals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Otolaryngology)
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27 pages, 4853 KiB  
Review
Robotic Systems for Cochlear Implant Surgeries: A Review of Robotic Design and Clinical Outcomes
by Oneeba Ahmed, Mingfeng Wang, Bin Zhang, Richard Irving, Philip Begg and Xinli Du
Electronics 2025, 14(13), 2685; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14132685 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 622
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when cochlear hair cells fail to convert mechanical sound waves into electrical signals transmitted via the auditory nerve. Cochlear implants (CIs) restore hearing by directly stimulating the auditory nerve with electrical impulses, often while preserving residual hearing. Over the [...] Read more.
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when cochlear hair cells fail to convert mechanical sound waves into electrical signals transmitted via the auditory nerve. Cochlear implants (CIs) restore hearing by directly stimulating the auditory nerve with electrical impulses, often while preserving residual hearing. Over the past two decades, robotic-assisted techniques in otologic surgery have gained prominence for improving precision and safety. Robotic systems support critical procedures such as mastoidectomy, cochleostomy drilling, and electrode array (EA) insertion. These technologies aim to minimize trauma and enhance hearing preservation. Despite the outpatient nature of most CI surgeries, surgeons still face challenges, including anatomical complexity, imaging demands, and rising costs. Robotic systems help address these issues by streamlining workflows, reducing variability, and improving electrode placement accuracy. This review evaluates robotic systems developed for cochlear implantation, focusing on their design, surgical integration, and clinical outcomes. This review concludes that robotic systems offer low insertion speed, which leads to reduced insertion forces and lower intracochlear pressure. However, their impact on trauma, long-term hearing preservation, and speech outcome remains uncertain. Further research is needed to assess clinical durability, cost-effectiveness, and patient-reported outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Biomedical Electronics)
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26 pages, 3149 KiB  
Review
Research Progress and Future Perspectives on Photonic and Optoelectronic Devices Based on p-Type Boron-Doped Diamond/n-Type Titanium Dioxide Heterojunctions: A Mini Review
by Shunhao Ge, Dandan Sang, Changxing Li, Yarong Shi, Qinglin Wang and Dao Xiao
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(13), 1003; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15131003 - 29 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 521
Abstract
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material with broad application potential, known for its excellent photocatalytic performance, high chemical stability, low cost, and non-toxicity. These properties make it highly attractive for applications in photovoltaic energy, environmental remediation, and optoelectronic devices. [...] Read more.
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material with broad application potential, known for its excellent photocatalytic performance, high chemical stability, low cost, and non-toxicity. These properties make it highly attractive for applications in photovoltaic energy, environmental remediation, and optoelectronic devices. For instance, TiO2 is widely used as a photocatalyst for hydrogen production via water splitting and for degrading organic pollutants, thanks to its efficient photo-generated electron–hole separation. Additionally, TiO2 exhibits remarkable performance in dye-sensitized solar cells and photodetectors, providing critical support for advancements in green energy and photoelectric conversion technologies. Boron-doped diamond (BDD) is renowned for its exceptional electrical conductivity, high hardness, wide electrochemical window, and outstanding chemical inertness. These unique characteristics enable its extensive use in fields such as electrochemical analysis, electrocatalysis, sensors, and biomedicine. For example, BDD electrodes exhibit high sensitivity and stability in detecting trace chemicals and pollutants, while also demonstrating excellent performance in electrocatalytic water splitting and industrial wastewater treatment. Its chemical stability and biocompatibility make it an ideal material for biosensors and implantable devices. Research indicates that the combination of TiO2 nanostructures and BDD into heterostructures can exhibit unexpected optical and electrical performance and transport behavior, opening up new possibilities for photoluminescence and rectifier diode devices. However, applications based on this heterostructure still face challenges, particularly in terms of photodetector, photoelectric emitter, optical modulator, and optical fiber devices under high-temperature conditions. This article explores the potential and prospects of their combined heterostructures in the field of optoelectronic devices such as photodetector, light emitting diode (LED), memory, field effect transistor (FET) and sensing. TiO2/BDD heterojunction can enhance photoresponsivity and extend the spectral detection range which enables stability in high-temperature and harsh environments due to BDD’s thermal conductivity. This article proposes future research directions and prospects to facilitate the development of TiO2 nanostructured materials and BDD-based heterostructures, providing a foundation for enhancing photoresponsivity and extending the spectral detection range enables stability in high-temperature and high-frequency optoelectronic devices field. Further research and exploration of optoelectronic devices based on TiO2-BDD heterostructures hold significant importance, offering new breakthroughs and innovations for the future development of optoelectronic technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoscale Photonics and Optoelectronics)
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15 pages, 3061 KiB  
Article
A Tool for the Assessment of Electromagnetic Compatibility in Active Implantable Devices: The Pacemaker Physical Twin
by Cecilia Vivarelli, Eugenio Mattei, Federica Ricci, Sara D'Eramo and Giovanni Calcagnini
Bioengineering 2025, 12(7), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12070689 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 498
Abstract
Background: The increasing use of technologies operating between 10 and 200 kHz, such as RFID, wireless power transfer systems, and induction cooktops, raises concerns about electromagnetic interference (EMI) with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). The mechanisms of interaction within this frequency range have [...] Read more.
Background: The increasing use of technologies operating between 10 and 200 kHz, such as RFID, wireless power transfer systems, and induction cooktops, raises concerns about electromagnetic interference (EMI) with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). The mechanisms of interaction within this frequency range have been only partially addressed by both the scientific and regulatory communities. Methods: A physical twin of a pacemaker/implantable defibrillator (PM/ICD) was developed to experimentally assess voltages induced at the input stage by low-to-mid-frequency magnetic fields. The setup simulates the two sensing modalities programmable in PMs/ICDs and allows for the analysis of different implant configurations, lead geometries, and positions within a human body phantom. Results: Characterization of the physical twin demonstrated its capability to reliably measure induced voltages in the range of 5 mV to 1.5 V. Its application enabled the identification of factors beyond the implant’s induction area that contribute to the induced voltage, such as the electrode-tissue interface and body-induced currents. Conclusions: This physical twin represents a valuable tool for experimentally validating the mechanisms of EMI in CIEDs, providing insights beyond current standards. The data obtained can serve as a reference for the validation of numerical models and patient-specific digital twins. Moreover, it offers valuable information to guide future updates and revisions of international electromagnetic compatibility standards for CIEDs. Full article
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11 pages, 4459 KiB  
Article
Impact of Cochlear Trauma Degree and Localization on Intracochlear Electrocochleographic Recordings
by David Bächinger, Merlin Schär, Ahmet Kunut, Rahel Bertschinger, Ivo Dobrev, Leanne Sijgers, Andreas H. Eckhard and Adrian Dalbert
Audiol. Res. 2025, 15(3), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres15030074 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 261
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Electrocochleography (ECochG) is a promising tool to monitor preservation of cochlear structures and function during cochlear implant (CI) surgery. However, the interpretation of ECochG signal changes during insertion of the CI electrode array remains controversial. This study investigates the influence of the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Electrocochleography (ECochG) is a promising tool to monitor preservation of cochlear structures and function during cochlear implant (CI) surgery. However, the interpretation of ECochG signal changes during insertion of the CI electrode array remains controversial. This study investigates the influence of the degree and localization of cochlear trauma on ECochG signal changes using a mouse model. Methods: C57BL/6J-Crl1 mice underwent intracochlear ECochG recordings during the insertion of a platinum–iridium electrode. Results: In case of grade 1 and 2 cochlear trauma, as determined by post-mortem histological analysis, we found that a reduction in intracochlear cochlear microphonic (CM) amplitude correlates more significantly with the location of the trauma than with its severity. The more basally a trauma is located, the larger the CM amplitude drop. Furthermore, the results revealed that grade 1 or 2 trauma was detectable through ECochG before more severe trauma developed. Conclusions: These findings suggest that intracochlear ECochG can serve as a reliable intraoperative tool for detecting early and possibly reversible cochlear trauma, preventing more severe damage and aiding hearing preservation. The results emphasize the need for a nuanced interpretation of CM signal drops, considering trauma location and cochlear structure integrity at the site of trauma and apical to it. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment)
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19 pages, 7365 KiB  
Article
Lemon Verbena Extract Enhances Sleep Quality and Duration via Modulation of Adenosine A1 and GABAA Receptors in Pentobarbital-Induced and Polysomnography-Based Sleep Models
by Mijoo Choi, Yean Kyoung Koo, Nayoung Kim, Yunjung Lee, Dong Joon Yim, SukJin Kim, Eunju Park and Soo-Jeung Park
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(12), 5723; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26125723 - 14 Jun 2025
Viewed by 665
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of lemon verbena extract (LVE) on sleep regulation using both a pentobarbital-induced sleep model and an EEG-based sleep assessment model in mice. To elucidate its potential mechanisms, mice were randomly assigned to five groups: control, positive control (diazepam, [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of lemon verbena extract (LVE) on sleep regulation using both a pentobarbital-induced sleep model and an EEG-based sleep assessment model in mice. To elucidate its potential mechanisms, mice were randomly assigned to five groups: control, positive control (diazepam, 2 mg/kg b.w.), and three LVE-treated groups receiving 40, 80, or 160 mg/kg b.w. via oral administration. In the pentobarbital-induced sleep model, mice underwent a two-week oral administration of LVE, followed by intraperitoneal pentobarbital injections. The results demonstrated that LVE significantly shortened sleep latency and prolonged sleep duration compared to the control group. Notably, adenosine A1 receptor expression, both at the mRNA and protein levels, was markedly upregulated in the brains of LVE-treated mice. Furthermore, LVE’s administration led to a significant increase in the mRNA expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor subunits (α2 and β2) in brain tissue. In the electroencephalography (EEG)/electromyogram (EMG)-based sleep model, mice underwent surgical implantation of EEG and EMG electrodes, followed by one week of LVE administration. Quantitative EEG analysis revealed that LVE treatment reduced wakefulness while significantly enhancing REM and NREM sleep’s duration, indicating its potential sleep-promoting effects. These findings suggest that LVE may serve as a promising natural sleep aid, improving both the quality and duration of sleep through the modulation of adenosine and GABAergic signaling pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Medicines and Functional Foods for Human Health)
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15 pages, 3593 KiB  
Article
Polypyrrole Coatings as Possible Solutions for Sensing and Stimulation in Bioelectronic Medicines
by Cristian Sevcencu, Izabella Crăciunescu, Alin-Alexandru Andrei, Maria Suciu, Sergiu Macavei and Lucian Barbu-Tudoran
Biosensors 2025, 15(6), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15060366 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 489
Abstract
Bioelectronic medicines record biological signals and provide electrical stimulation for the treatment of diseases. Advanced bioelectronic therapies require the development of electrodes that match the softness of the implanted tissues, as the present metal electrodes do not meet this condition. The objective of [...] Read more.
Bioelectronic medicines record biological signals and provide electrical stimulation for the treatment of diseases. Advanced bioelectronic therapies require the development of electrodes that match the softness of the implanted tissues, as the present metal electrodes do not meet this condition. The objective of the present work was to investigate whether the electroconductive polymer polypyrrole (PPy) could be used for fabricating such electrodes, as PPy is several orders softer than metals. For this purpose, we here investigated if electrodes made using coatings and films of PPy doped with naphthalin-2-sulfonic acid (PPy/N) are capable to record and elicit by stimulation cardiac monophasic action potentials (MAPs) and if PPy/N is also biocompatible. The results of this study showed that the tested PPy/N electrodes are capable of recording MAPs almost identical to the MAPs recorded with platinum electrodes and eliciting stimulation-evoked MAPs almost identical to the spontaneous MAPs. In addition, we show here that the cell cultures that we used for biocompatibility tests grew in a similar manner on PPy/N and platinum substrates. We, therefore, conclude that PPy/N coatings and films have recording and electrical stimulation capabilities that are similar to those of platinum electrodes and that PPy/N substrates are as biocompatible as the platinum substrates. Full article
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18 pages, 551 KiB  
Article
Separating Subjective from Objective Food Value in the Human Insula: An Exploratory Study Using Intracranial EEG
by Benjamin Hébert-Seropian, Olivier Boucher, Daphné Citherlet, Manon Robert, François Richer and Dang Khoa Nguyen
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(6), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15060593 - 31 May 2025
Viewed by 1162
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The human insula is a key structure implicated in integrating internal states and external food cues, yet its precise role remains unclear, in part due to the temporal limitations of neuroimaging techniques like fMRI. To address this gap, we conducted an [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The human insula is a key structure implicated in integrating internal states and external food cues, yet its precise role remains unclear, in part due to the temporal limitations of neuroimaging techniques like fMRI. To address this gap, we conducted an exploratory study using an intracranial EEG (iEEG) to investigate how the insula encodes both the subjective and objective properties of food-related stimuli, and how this encoding is modulated by hunger and satiety. Methods: Eight patients with drug-resistant epilepsy undergoing a pre-surgical evaluation between 2017 and 2023 participated in this study. Depth electrodes implanted in the insular cortex recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to visual food cues. The sessions were conducted in two prandial states (hungry and satiated). The subjective ratings (appetite and palatability) and objective nutritional values (e.g., calories, carbohydrates) were collected and analyzed using paired t-tests, MANOVAs, and partial correlations. Results: Hunger increased the ERP amplitudes within the 350–450 ms interval, consistent with the EPIC model and positive alliesthesia, while satiety unexpectedly enhanced the early responses (150–250 ms). Importantly, the neural activity related to nutritional values was largely uncorrelated with the subjective ratings, suggestive of distinct processing streams. The mid- and posterior insula showed greater sensitivity to both subjective and nutritional information than the anterior insula. Conclusions: These findings offer novel electrophysiological insights into how the insula differentiates between implicit and explicit food-related signals, depending on the homeostatic state. This work supports a dual-route model of food cue processing, and may inform interventions targeting insular activity in disordered eating. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience)
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12 pages, 279 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Cochlear Implantation
by Eric C. Shawkey, J. Dixon Johns, Armine Kocharyan, Breanna Corle, Emma Woolf, Abbie Parks and Selena E. Briggs
J. Otorhinolaryngol. Hear. Balance Med. 2025, 6(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/ohbm6010009 - 31 May 2025
Viewed by 1484
Abstract
Since the inception of cochlear implantation, the field of technological advancements associated with cochlear implantation has continued to evolve, providing patients with sensorineural hearing loss access with greater sound appreciation capabilities. These advances include evolving cochlear implantation criteria, including increased residual hearing and [...] Read more.
Since the inception of cochlear implantation, the field of technological advancements associated with cochlear implantation has continued to evolve, providing patients with sensorineural hearing loss access with greater sound appreciation capabilities. These advances include evolving cochlear implantation criteria, including increased residual hearing and single-sided deafness; changes in electrode design; options for hearing preservation; and advancements in connectivity, to name a few. This article reviews the various aspects of the recent advancements in relation to cochlear implantation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Otology and Neurotology)
10 pages, 428 KiB  
Review
Consideration of Anesthesia Techniques for Deep Brain Stimulation Implantation in the Treatment of Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: A Narrative Review
by Alan D. Kaye, Benjamin Esneault, Shreya Deshpande, Joseph Wentling, Shahab Ahmadzadeh, Pooja Potharaju and Sahar Shekoohi
Biomolecules 2025, 15(6), 784; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15060784 - 28 May 2025
Viewed by 651
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, affecting millions worldwide. While anti-seizure medications serve as first-line treatment, approximately one-third of patients develop drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), necessitating alternative interventions. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has emerged as a promising therapy for DRE, [...] Read more.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, affecting millions worldwide. While anti-seizure medications serve as first-line treatment, approximately one-third of patients develop drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), necessitating alternative interventions. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has emerged as a promising therapy for DRE, particularly for patients who are ineligible for resective surgery. DBS involves stereotactic implantation of electrodes into target brain regions, such as the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT), centromedian nucleus (CMT), and hippocampus (HC), to modulate aberrant neural activity and to reduce seizure frequency. Anesthesia plays a critical role in DBS implantation, influencing both patient safety and procedural success. The choice of anesthetic technique must balance patient comfort with the preservation of neurophysiological signals used for intraoperative electrode localization. A well-chosen anesthetic strategy can enhance the efficacy of electrode placement by minimizing patient movement and preserving critical neurophysiological signals for real-time monitoring. This precise targeting enhances safety via a reduction in perioperative risks and an improvement in long-term seizure control. Anesthetic considerations in epilepsy patients differ from those in movement disorders due to variations in their nuclei targets during DBS. Despite the increasing use of DBS for epilepsy following its FDA approval in 2018, research on anesthetic effects specific to this population remains limited. This narrative review, therefore, examines anesthetic approaches, pharmacological implications, potential complications, and evolving methods for DBS implantation in epilepsy patients, highlighting new insights and unique considerations in this population. Understanding these factors is essential for optimizing surgical outcomes and improving the safety and efficacy of DBS in epilepsy treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Basis and Novel Treatment of Epilepsy)
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19 pages, 3708 KiB  
Article
Multiple Ring Electrode-Based PMUT with Tunable Deflections
by Jan Helmerich, Manfred Wich, Annika Hofmann, Thomas Schaechtle and Stefan Johann Rupitsch
Micromachines 2025, 16(6), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16060623 - 25 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2452
Abstract
Ultrasonic applications such as non-destructive testing, biomedical imaging or range measurements are currently based on piezoelectric bulk transducers. Yet, these kinds of transducers with their mm to cm dimensions are rather impractical in fields in which both frequencies in the kHz region and [...] Read more.
Ultrasonic applications such as non-destructive testing, biomedical imaging or range measurements are currently based on piezoelectric bulk transducers. Yet, these kinds of transducers with their mm to cm dimensions are rather impractical in fields in which both frequencies in the kHz region and small-feature sizes are required. This fact mainly relates to the inverse relationship between the resonance frequency constant and the transducers’ dimension, yielding a higher frequency and attenuation with a decreasing size. Piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs), in comparison, incorporate a small-scale µm design while preserving the operating frequency in the desired kHz range. This contribution presents the detailed manufacturing of such a PMUT with a multiple ring electrode‑based structure to additionally adjust the sound pressure fields. The PMUT will be characterized by its deflection in air along with the characterization of the piezoelectric material lead zirconate titanate (PZT) itself. The measurements showed a maximum polarization of 21.8 µC/cm2 at 50 kV/cm, the PMUT’s displacement of 30.50 nm/V in air when all electrodes are driven, and an adjustable deflection via different electrode excitations without the need for additional hardware. The ring design also offered the possibility to emit two distinct frequencies simultaneously. These results demonstrate the potential of the designs for small-feature-size applications as they are in high demand for implantable devices, miniaturized ultrasonic-based communication or drug delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue MEMS Ultrasonic Transducers)
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18 pages, 3090 KiB  
Article
Microelectrode Implantation in Human Insula: Technical Challenges and Recording Insights
by Daphné Citherlet, Sami Heymann, Maya Aderka, Katarzyna Jurewicz, B. Suresh Krishna, Manon Robert, Alain Bouthillier, Olivier Boucher and Dang Khoa Nguyen
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(6), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15060550 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 609
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Intracranial macroelectrode implantation is a pivotal clinical tool in the evaluation of drug-resistant epilepsy, allowing further insights into the localization of the epileptogenic zone and the delineation of eloquent cortical regions through cortical stimulation. Additionally, it provides an avenue to study [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Intracranial macroelectrode implantation is a pivotal clinical tool in the evaluation of drug-resistant epilepsy, allowing further insights into the localization of the epileptogenic zone and the delineation of eloquent cortical regions through cortical stimulation. Additionally, it provides an avenue to study brain functions by analyzing cerebral responses during neuropsychological paradigms. By combining macroelectrodes with microelectrodes, which allow recording the activity of individual neurons or smaller neural clusters, recordings could provide deeper insights into neuronal microcircuits and the brain’s transitions in epilepsy and contribute to a better understanding of neuropsychological functions. In this study, one or two hybrid macro-micro electrodes were implanted in the anterior-inferior insular region in patients with refractory epilepsy. We report our experience and share some preliminary results; we also provide some recommendations regarding the implantation procedure for hybrid electrodes in the insular cortex. Methods: Stereoelectroencephalography was performed in 13 patients, with one or two hybrid macro-microelectrodes positioned in the insular region in each patient. Research neuropsychological paradigms could not be implemented in two patients for clinical reasons. In total, 23 hybrid macro-microelectrodes with eight microcontacts each were implanted, of which 20 were recorded. Spiking activity was detected and assessed using WaveClus3. Results: No spiking neural activity was detected in the microcontacts of the first seven patients. After iterative refinement during this process, successful recordings were obtained from 13 microcontacts in the anterior-inferior insula in the last four patients (13/64, 20.3%). Hybrid electrode implantation was uneventful with no complications. Obstacles included the absence of spiking activity signals, unsuccessful microwire dispersion, and the interference of environmental electrical noise in recordings. Conclusions: Human microelectrode recording presents a complex array of challenges; however, it holds the potential to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of individual neuronal attributes and their specific stimulus responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding the Role and Functions of the Insula in the Brain)
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