Emerging Modalities and Implantable Technologies for Neuromodulation

New Technologies for Neuromodulation

Non-invasive neural stimulation techniques are of increasing importance as devices move from the lab to the clinical environment. One such technology-transcranial magnetic stimulation-has already made the transition and is currently used by clinicians to treat depression. This device has several drawbacks, such as a limited ability to focus its energy to a relatively small region and to distrib...

MRI Safety Issues for Implantable Neuromodulation Devices

A patient with an electrically, magnetically, or mechanically activated implant is typically excluded from examination by MRI unless the particular implant has been demonstrated to be unaffected by the electromagnetic fields used for this imaging modality. Potential risks include injuries related to movement of ferromagnetic implants, excessive heating, induced electrical currents, the misinter...

Neuromodulation: present and emerging methods

Neuromodulation has wide ranging potential applications in replacing impaired neural function (prosthetics), as a novel form of medical treatment (therapy), and as a tool for investigating neurons and neural function (research). Voltage and current controlled electrical neural stimulation (ENS) are methods that have already been widely applied in both neuroscience and clinical practice for neur...

Emerging technologies for learning

Emerging Technologies for Telemedicine

This paper focuses on new technologies that are practically useful for telemedicine. Three representative systems are introduced: a Digital Video Transport System (DVTS), an H.323 compatible videoconferencing system, and Vidyo. Based on some of our experiences, we highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each technology, and point out technologies that are especially targeted at doctors an...