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Development of a Clinically Usable Electrode for tVNS
This project aims to develop a clinically usable electrode for transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) therapy. The objective is to create an electrode that is biocompatible, low-impedance, and easy to use, allowing patients to apply it themselves with minimal setup time. The project involves conducting a literature review, evaluating existing designs, selecting appropriate materials, developing a prototype, and assessing its efficacy and usability in a clinical setting. The outcome will be an electrode that enhances the convenience and effectiveness of tVNS therapy, contributing to improved patient treatment adherence and outcomes.
Keywords: Mechanical engineering, materials engineering, 3D modeling, anatomical modeling, CAD.
Stroke is the most common cause of disability and as many as 14 million people suffer a stroke every year. Typical therapy today is focused on physical exercises and rarely combats the core of the problem - the interactions between the motor actions and the activity patterns of the injured brain. Therefore, we are developing a cutting-edge medical device that helps combine physical therapy with a non-invasive brain stimulation. This is expected to boost recovery after stroke and make this advanced neuro-therapy accessible to millions of people who need it.
The proposed project aims to develop a clinically usable electrode for transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) in the context of stroke rehabilitation. SmartVNS is seeking a highly motivated mechanical, industrial, material, or electrical engineer Master's student to assist in the development of a clinically usable electrode for transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) therapy. The project will involve evaluating existing electrode designs, selecting appropriate materials, and developing a prototype. The prototype will then be tested to determine its efficacy and usability in a clinical setting. The electrode design should be reusable or easy to change, ensuring that patients can continue to use the same device throughout their therapy. The goal of this project is to create a user-friendly electrode that is biocompatible, low-impedance, and easy to use, enabling patients to apply it themselves, without the need for extensive setup time. This project seeks to contribute to the advancement of tVNS technology in stroke rehabilitation, ultimately benefiting stroke patients by improving their quality of life and recovery outcomes.
Stroke is the most common cause of disability and as many as 14 million people suffer a stroke every year. Typical therapy today is focused on physical exercises and rarely combats the core of the problem - the interactions between the motor actions and the activity patterns of the injured brain. Therefore, we are developing a cutting-edge medical device that helps combine physical therapy with a non-invasive brain stimulation. This is expected to boost recovery after stroke and make this advanced neuro-therapy accessible to millions of people who need it.
The proposed project aims to develop a clinically usable electrode for transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) in the context of stroke rehabilitation. SmartVNS is seeking a highly motivated mechanical, industrial, material, or electrical engineer Master's student to assist in the development of a clinically usable electrode for transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) therapy. The project will involve evaluating existing electrode designs, selecting appropriate materials, and developing a prototype. The prototype will then be tested to determine its efficacy and usability in a clinical setting. The electrode design should be reusable or easy to change, ensuring that patients can continue to use the same device throughout their therapy. The goal of this project is to create a user-friendly electrode that is biocompatible, low-impedance, and easy to use, enabling patients to apply it themselves, without the need for extensive setup time. This project seeks to contribute to the advancement of tVNS technology in stroke rehabilitation, ultimately benefiting stroke patients by improving their quality of life and recovery outcomes.
End-goal is to develop a prototype of a tVNS electrode, testing different materials, anatomical locations, and practical use with patients with neurological diseases.
End-goal is to develop a prototype of a tVNS electrode, testing different materials, anatomical locations, and practical use with patients with neurological diseases.
Conduct a literature review to understand the current state-of-the-art in tVNS electrode design and materials.
Evaluate existing electrode designs to identify areas for improvement and develop a conceptual design.
Select appropriate materials for the electrode and develop a detailed design using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Build a prototype electrode and conduct in vitro testing to assess biocompatibility and impedance.
Test the prototype electrode in a clinical setting to assess usability and patient acceptance.
Conduct a literature review to understand the current state-of-the-art in tVNS electrode design and materials. Evaluate existing electrode designs to identify areas for improvement and develop a conceptual design. Select appropriate materials for the electrode and develop a detailed design using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Build a prototype electrode and conduct in vitro testing to assess biocompatibility and impedance. Test the prototype electrode in a clinical setting to assess usability and patient acceptance.
The ideal candidate will have a background in mechanical, industrial, material, or electrical engineering and experience in designing and prototyping medical devices. Familiarity with biocompatible materials and electrode design is preferred. The student should be able to work independently and as part of a team, have excellent communication and organizational skills, and be motivated to contribute to the development of an innovative medical device.
The ideal candidate will have a background in mechanical, industrial, material, or electrical engineering and experience in designing and prototyping medical devices. Familiarity with biocompatible materials and electrode design is preferred. The student should be able to work independently and as part of a team, have excellent communication and organizational skills, and be motivated to contribute to the development of an innovative medical device.
To apply, use the button below to tell us why you want to do this project ("motivation"); attach a mini CV with your current program of study, your grades and any other info you deem relevant.
Dane Donegan - dane.donegan@hest.ethz.ch
Paulius Viskaitis - paulius.viskaitis@hest.ethz.ch
To apply, use the button below to tell us why you want to do this project ("motivation"); attach a mini CV with your current program of study, your grades and any other info you deem relevant.
Dane Donegan - dane.donegan@hest.ethz.ch Paulius Viskaitis - paulius.viskaitis@hest.ethz.ch
