Seed-sized injectable device offers wireless nerve control for chronic pain
Researchers have created a needle-injectable, battery-free device that can modulate nerves wirelessly, aiming to treat chronic pain and movement disorders without surgery.
Scientists at NYU Abu Dhabi, together with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, have engineered a miniature, lead-less bioelectronic interface that can be injected through a regular needle and positioned adjacent to a specific peripheral nerve. Powered remotely, the seed-sized unit emits precisely controlled electrical pulses, allowing clinicians to fine-tune stimulation without any wires or batteries inside the body. Imaging techniques such as ultrasound and CT guide placement and enable post-implant monitoring.
Preclinical experiments demonstrated consistent performance and successful activation of nerves in living subjects, marking a promising step toward human applications. While human trials are pending, the technology could reduce surgical risks, shorten recovery, and broaden access to advanced neuromodulation therapies for chronic pain and movement disorders.
Why it matters
A non-surgical, wireless nerve stimulator could make chronic-pain treatment safer and more accessible.
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