Neurostimulation

Computational modeling of neuronal stimulation is a valuable tool for development and evaluation of active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), cochlear and vestibular implants, retinal prosthetics, neuro-prosthetics, deep-brain stimulators (DBS), neuro-motoric incapacitation devices, and elecroceuticals. The IT'IS Foundation offers (1) vast experience in RF circuit design and in vivo simulations of electromagnetic field propagation, (2) premier expertise in anatomical models as well as in- and on-body antennas, (3) detailed knowledge about the intricacies of regulatory agencies and the corresponding processes due to their active participation and membership in IEC/ISO standard groups, as well as (4) experience in interacting with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other regulators on numerous successful projects.

With more than 100 Sim4Life licenses, including the Virtual Population 3.x and multiple animal models, and several High Performance Computers (HPC) ranging from Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) clusters to supercomputers, our interdisciplinary research team can tackle highly specific and complex research tasks with superior innovation and efficiency – while ensuring compliance to national and international standards.

• Developed neuron models together with ZMT Zurich MedTech AG;
• Helped advance safety standards with regard to low frequency exposure safety and unintended neurostimulation (e.g., IEEE TC95);
• Identified mechanisms and predictors for neurostimulation by electric and magnetic field exposure;
• Supported major implant manufacturers in developing methodology to achieve highly selective spinal cord and deep brain stimulation by creating neuro-functionalized anatomical models and optimization approaches;
• Supported leading research groups in developing novel technology for non-invasive targeted brain stimulation using temporal interference;
• Supported different start-up companies in developing means to compensate for lost sensory and motoric functionality through neuroprosthetics (e.g., reactivation of leg motion patterns in paraplegic);
• Created a platform to investigate the impact of stimulator designs on vagus nerve fiber recruitment for electroceutical/bioelectric applications;
• Developed tools to perform personalized stimulation treatment optimization.

Neurostimulators and related electroceuticals face unique challenges in their design and safety assessment, and IT'IS is eager to work with potential partners to develop the tools and evaluation procedures for these technologies. AIMD designers can simulate the behavior of their device implanted in a functionalized high-resolution anatomical model, measuring not only the electric field distribution and currents, but also the activated regions in the body and impact on neuronal activity. Hundreds to thousands of neurons can be explicitly simulated, as well as related anatomical features such as nerve bundles. Functional anatomical models can also be generated from patient images, allowing for patient-specific stimulation planning and opening the door to precision medicine.

We look forward to discussing with you how we can best support your R&D initiatives and regulatory submissions – simply call us at +41 44 245 96 96 or send us an email at customized@itis.swiss.