Ultra-thin spinal implants can help treat stubborn pain

Ultra-thin spinal implants can help treat stubborn pain

Ultra-thin spinal implants can help treat stubborn pain Ultra-thin spinal implants can help treat stubborn pain

Science and Technology Daily, Beijing, June 27th (intern reporter Zhang Jiaxin) Back pain, knee strain, and chronic pain.
When will you stop? With new technology, perhaps there is no need to worry anymore
.

According to a paper recently published in the journal "Science Advances", researchers at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom combined soft robotics manufacturing technology, ultra-thin electronics and microfluidic technology to develop an ultra-thin inflatable device that can treat the most severe limb pain , Such as leg and back pain that cannot be cured by painkillers, without the need for invasive surgery

Everyone experiences pain, and for most people, it is temporary and treatable
.

For some people, pain can make them weak and threaten their health

Spinal cord electrical stimulation (SCS), known as the "ultimate treatment for neuralgia", is a treatment option for intractable back pain or other types of neuropathic pain.
Although effective, its use is limited
.

At present, only about 50,000 cases worldwide can undergo SCS surgery each year

struggle

The new device developed this time is very thin, only about the thickness of a hair, about 60 microns.
It can be rolled into a small cylinder and inserted into the needle, and then implanted in the epidural space of the spine-which is the same as the painless delivery needle.
The same part
.

Once positioned correctly, due to the microfluidic channels, the device will be filled with water or air and unfold like a small air mattress, covering a large area of ​​the spinal cord
.

When connected to a pulse generator, the ultra-thin electrode starts to send a small current to the spinal cord, which interferes with the pain signal

The researchers added some bismuth particles to the device so that even if the device is thin, it can be observed by X-rays
.

They validated the device on in vitro and human models

One of the senior authors of the paper, Dr.
Damiano Baron of the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge, said: "The way we make the device means that we can add more electrodes, or make it bigger for better Accurately cover a wider area of ​​the spine
.

"

The researchers said they hope to carry out further clinical trials and begin testing the device on patients within two to three years