Blink Prosthesis For Facial Paralysis Patients
Abstract
Ripple is developing an implantable stimulator to restore functional eye blink in patients with unilateral facial nerve paralysis. The system will electrically stimulate the paretic eyelid when EMG electrodes detect normal blink from the contralateral eye, producing synchronous blink. The proposed blink prosthesis is intended for patients with facial nerve damage who suffer long-term disfigurement and dysfunction due to the loss of the ability to convey facial expression and produce eye blink. In the first year of the project, we have developed a hermetic implantable ceramic package to house the stimulation/recording electronics. The package has been impact tested to confirm the ceramic material will be strong enough for permanent implantation. We have also verified the wireless data and power transmission system is robust and efficient. The system can transmit high-bandwidth signals, tolerate misalignment, and meet requirements for implant thermal discharge.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1028505
Entities
People
- Daniel Mcdonnall