Credit score: Unsplash/CC0 Public Area
A analysis group has efficiently developed a next-generation coil interface able to effectively and safely stimulating peripheral nerves. This breakthrough is critical in that it significantly enhances the effectivity and feasibility of non-contact nerve stimulation know-how, enabling stimulation by magnetic fields with out the necessity for direct contact between electrodes and nerves.
The findings are revealed within the journal IEEE Transactions on Neural Programs and Rehabilitation Engineering. The group was led by Professor Sanghoon Lee from the Division of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering at DGIST.
Lately, there was a rising demand for non-invasive (non-surgical, non-contact) approaches to deal with peripheral nerve dysfunctions resembling power ache, peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and facial nerve paralysis.
Nevertheless, standard strategies that contain straight inserting electrodes into nerves are invasive and may result in the formation of scar tissue because of immune responses, which considerably cut back the effectiveness of nerve stimulation. Non-invasive electrical stimulation utilized to the pores and skin has a number of limitations, together with poor stimulus selectivity, pores and skin irritation, and present leakage, thus highlighting the necessity for different options.
The analysis group centered on peripheral magnetic stimulation (PMS) know-how as a possible answer to this drawback. Magnetic fields allow nerve stimulation with out direct contact with the nerves or pores and skin; nevertheless, standard strategies require excessive currents and generate extreme warmth, which limits their sensible applicability.
Professor Lee’s analysis group proposed a novel method to maximise the spatial gradient—the diploma of change—of magnetic fields by rigorously designing the coil’s form, association, and present path. The group confirmed by simulation {that a} four-leaf diamond-shaped coil confirmed larger stimulation effectivity and decrease power consumption in comparison with different coil shapes of the identical measurement.
An ultra-compact coil was then fabricated utilizing 3D printing and copper wire, and its secure nerve stimulation efficiency was verified by animal testing. The experiments demonstrated security, with the coil floor temperature rising by only one° to 1.7°C throughout stimulation.
The group additional found that longer rise occasions of stimulation indicators led to stronger nerve activation. This discovering means that the length of magnetic area publicity performs a key function in neural stimulation, along with present depth. This perception will be utilized to advance non-contact, magnetic field-based nerve stimulation applied sciences and is predicted to contribute to a variety of medical and engineering purposes, resembling power ache administration, neural rehabilitation coaching, selective nerve blocking, and neural response mapping.
Professor Lee acknowledged, “This study proposed a method for precisely stimulating nerves using magnetic fields without involving direct contact between electrodes and nerves. We aim to develop the technology to be practicable in medical fields for pain treatment and nerve rehabilitation.”
Extra data:
Jaeu Park et al, Optimized Coil Design for Enhanced Electrical Discipline Induction in Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, IEEE Transactions on Neural Programs and Rehabilitation Engineering (2025). DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2025.3599634
Offered by
Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Know-how
Quotation:
Subsequent-gen coil interface for non-contact peripheral nerve stimulation might enhance remedy for power ache (2025, October 20)
retrieved 20 October 2025
from https://medicalxpress.com/information/2025-10-gen-interface-contact-peripheral-nerve.html
This doc is topic to copyright. Aside from any honest dealing for the aim of personal research or analysis, no
half could also be reproduced with out the written permission. The content material is supplied for data functions solely.
