Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for efficient wireless powering of an electrical load with precise external control over pulsed voltage waveform and metering of charge delivered. The system interfaces to an inductive coil for RF power delivery from an external duty-cycled RF power transmitter, and the electrical load. The electrical load may be a photosensitive array of electrodes for an optically addressed, electrically activated retinal prosthesis. The voltage waveform to activate the load is controlled by the transmitted RF amplitude, including switching between cathodic and anodic phases of electrical stimulation. Charge delivered to the load is quantified as discharge events through a series capacitor, transmitted by backtelemetry to the receiver for continuous monitoring throughout the stimulation phases. The subject disclosure further provides for calibration of voltage amplitude and charge metering, to compensate for variable wireless link and load conditions, through additional stimulation phases with a supplementary load with known and stable characteristics.

The invention refers to a device for inhibiting the neural activity of a carotid sinus nerve (CSN) or carotid body of a subject, the device comprising: one or more transducers configured to apply a signal to the CSN or associated carotid body of the subject, optionally at least two such transducers; and a controller coupled to the one or more transducers, the controller controlling the signal to be applied by the one or more transducers, such that the signal inhibits the neural activity of the CSN or carotid body to produce a physiological response in the subject, wherein the physiological response is one or more of the group consisting of: an increase in insulin sensitivity in the subject, an increase in glucose tolerance in the subject, a decrease in (fasting) plasma glucose concentration in the subject, a reduction in subcutaneous fat content in the subject, and a reduction in obesity in the subject.

The problem of a potentially high amount of supra-threshold charge passing through the patient's tissue at the end of an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) program is addressed by circuitry that periodically dissipates only small amount of the charge stored on capacitances (e.g., DC-blocking capacitors) during a pulsed post-program recovery period. This occurs by periodically activating control signals to turn on passive recovery switches to form a series of discharge pulses each dissipating a sub-threshold amount of charge. Such periodic pulsed dissipation may extend the duration of post-program recovery, but is not likely to be noticeable by the patient when the programming in the IPG changes from a first to a second program. Periodic pulsed dissipation of charge may also be used during a program, such as between stimulation pulses.

The invention features methods and devices useful for stimulating brain tissue in a subject via electrodes within cranial bone. These methods and devices may be utilized for the detection, prevention, and/or treatment of neurological disorders via electric stimulation. Additionally, the methods and devices disclosed herein may be useful for the treatment, inhibition, and/or arrestment of the growth of tumors.

Described herein is an implantable device having a sensor configured to detect an amount of an analyte, a pH, a temperature, strain, or a pressure; and an ultrasonic transducer with a length of about 5 mm or less in the longest dimension, configured to receive current modulated based on the analyte amount, the pH, the temperature, or the pressure detected by the sensor, and emit an ultrasonic backscatter based on the received current. The implantable device can be implanted in a subject, such as an animal or a plant. Also described herein are systems including one or more implantable devices and an interrogator comprising one or more ultrasonic transducers configured to transmit ultrasonic waves to the one or more implantable devices or receive ultrasonic backscatter from the one or more implantable devices. Also described are methods of detecting an amount of an analyte, a pH, a temperature, a strain, or a pressure.

Devices and methods for manipulating devices such as micro-scale devices are provided. The devices can include a tether of various materials surrounded by a stiff body. The tether interfaces with microscale devices to draw them against the stiff body, holding the microscale devices in a locked position for insertion into or extraction out of tissue. The tensional hook and stiff body are configurable in a multitude of positions and geometries to provide increased engagement. Such configurations allow for a range of implantation and extraction surgical procedures for the device within research and clinical settings.

A method of controlling a movement of a hybrid robot including a locomotion stimulation device carried by an animal includes monitoring, via a positioning component the locomotion stimulation device, a position and an orientation of the hybrid robot; providing, via a stimulator of the locomotion stimulation device, a stimulus to the animal based on an angular difference between the orientation with respect to a direct path from the position to a predetermined destination to control the movement of the hybrid robot; monitoring, via the positioning component, one or a combination of a displacement, a velocity or an acceleration of the hybrid robot in response to the stimulus; ceasing provision of the stimulus to the animal in response to the one or the combination of the displacement, the velocity or the acceleration being below a corresponding pre-defined minimum so as to allow the animal to roam freely.

A system includes a processor circuit in communication with an anatomical measurement device. The anatomical measurement device receives a metric associated with a sympathetic response of a patient. The sympathetic nervous system of the patient is then stimulated. The anatomical measurement device then receives another metric associated with a sympathetic response of the patient while the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated. The processor circuit then provides an output based on the comparison.

Provided herein is a solution to the problem of stimulation of a target pudendal nerve such that the stimulation applied by the electrode at that position selectively modulates the external urtheral sphincter (EUS), or selectively modulates the external anal sphincter (EAS).

The invention is an injectable wire structure electrode which assimilates with surrounding tissues after injection, inducing in-growth of blood vessels, collagen and other tissue. Assimilation secures the electrode to the tissue without sutures and prevents relative motion which can lead to inflammation and scarring. Associated methods of manufacturing and injection are disclosed, as well as systems including a dermal multiplexer for power delivery.