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Development of a computational model of the human pelvic plexus nerves to design a neural interface for bioelectronic device treating erectile dysfunction

Nearly 30% of erectile dysfunction patients do not respond to drug treatments and to achieve erection, these patients mostly rely on intra-penile injections. We propose the development of a subcutaneously implantable bidirectional neurostimulation system to restore erectile functions.

Keywords: neuroprosthesis, neuro prosthesis, model, computational, computational model, bioelectronic, bioelectronics, device, erectile dysfunction, neural interface, electrical stimulation, sensory feedback, neurostimulation, electroceutical, electroceutical device

  • **Background** One among the important side effects of the spinal cord injury, prostatic cancer treatment and diabetes, is the erectile dysfunction (ED). Nearly 30% of ED patients do not respond to drug treatments (e.g. Viagra®). To achieve erection, these patients mostly rely on intra-penile injections or penile implants, which are outdated due to pain, distress, side effects and tissue destruction. Neurostimulation to activate erectile response has been considered as a promising solution for ED, particularly for the spinal cord injury and post-prostatectomy patients. Animal studies showed that the cavernous nerve stimulation could induce erection in animals suffering from ED. Despite the recognized potential, this technology has not been further developed. The global scope of our project is the development of an implantable bidirectional stimulation system to restore erectile functions. Compared to the existing therapies (pharmaceutical therapies,penile implants,Vacuum erection devices,etc.) our method holds the potential to be the first one to restore a full erection and a natural sensation. **Description** Our previous studies on sensory nerve stimulation with amputees have shown that the efficacy of the stimulation, injected though electrodes implanted in the peripheral nervous system, strongly depends on the type of electrode and its policy of use (stimulation paradigms). The dimension, fascicularity and the fibers organization of the targeted nerve must be taken into account for an optimal electroceutical application development. For this project the aim will be to design a neural interface that could be effective to stimulate the nerves in the pelvic cavity (pudendal & cavernous). The technological challenge is the complex anatomy of human pelvic plexus nerves, with consequent more complex intraoperative identification for electrode placement. Already existing hybrid computational model (nerve & electrode geometries + neuron firing dynamics) will be adapted, to integrate the main types of possible electrodes used in neural interfacing, together with new nerve morphometries. You will then implement a biomimetic stimulation of a population activity in the full model during stimulation and study each electrode dynamic selectivity and sensitivity. Your final goal would be to design a new neural interface optimized for this novel electroceutical application, which will be consequently manufactured and tested. **Recommendable Skills:** MATLAB, Solidworks and COMSOL, NEURON. **Time effort required:** Master project full time; In case of a high specific expertise also a smaller time effort is accepted. **References:** Raspopovic et al. Framework for the development of neuroprostheses: from basic understanding by sciatic and median nerves models to bionic legs and hands. Proceedings of the IEEE 105.1 (2017),34-49. Dean, R. C., & Lue, T. F.(2005).Physiology of penile erection and pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction. Urologic Clinics

    Background

    One among the important side effects of the spinal cord injury, prostatic cancer treatment and diabetes, is the erectile dysfunction (ED). Nearly 30% of ED patients do not respond to drug treatments (e.g. Viagra®). To achieve erection, these patients mostly rely on intra-penile injections or penile implants, which are outdated due to pain, distress, side effects and tissue destruction. Neurostimulation to activate erectile response has been considered as a promising solution for ED, particularly for the spinal cord injury and post-prostatectomy patients. Animal studies showed that the cavernous nerve stimulation could induce erection in animals suffering from ED. Despite the recognized potential, this technology has not been further developed. The global scope of our project is the development of an implantable bidirectional stimulation system to restore erectile functions. Compared to the existing therapies (pharmaceutical therapies,penile implants,Vacuum erection devices,etc.) our method holds the potential to be the first one to restore a full erection and a natural sensation.

    Description

    Our previous studies on sensory nerve stimulation with amputees have shown that the efficacy of the stimulation, injected though electrodes implanted in the peripheral nervous system, strongly depends on the type of electrode and its policy of use (stimulation paradigms). The dimension, fascicularity and the fibers organization of the targeted nerve must be taken into account for an optimal electroceutical application development. For this project the aim will be to design a neural interface that could be effective to stimulate the nerves in the pelvic cavity (pudendal & cavernous). The technological challenge is the complex anatomy of human pelvic plexus nerves, with consequent more complex intraoperative identification for electrode placement. Already existing hybrid computational model (nerve & electrode geometries + neuron firing dynamics) will be adapted, to integrate the main types of possible electrodes used in neural interfacing, together with new nerve morphometries. You will then implement a biomimetic stimulation of a population activity in the full model during stimulation and study each electrode dynamic selectivity and sensitivity. Your final goal would be to design a new neural interface optimized for this novel electroceutical application, which will be consequently manufactured and tested.

    Recommendable Skills: MATLAB, Solidworks and COMSOL, NEURON.

    Time effort required: Master project full time; In case of a high specific expertise also a smaller time effort is accepted.

    References:

    Raspopovic et al. Framework for the development of neuroprostheses: from basic understanding by sciatic and median nerves models to bionic legs and hands. Proceedings of the IEEE 105.1 (2017),34-49.

    Dean, R. C., & Lue, T. F.(2005).Physiology of penile erection and pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction. Urologic Clinics

  • The final goal is to design a new neural interface optimized for this novel electroceutical application, which will be consequently manufactured and tested.

    The final goal is to design a new neural interface optimized for this novel electroceutical application, which will be consequently manufactured and tested.

  • Dr. Stanisa Raspopovic, Assistant Professor Neuroeengineering laboratory, Head ETH Zurich, Switzerland Email: nesta.fale@gmail.com

    Dr. Stanisa Raspopovic, Assistant Professor Neuroeengineering laboratory, Head ETH Zurich, Switzerland Email: nesta.fale@gmail.com

Calendar

Earliest start2019-04-18
Latest end2019-12-31

Location

Neuroengineering Lab (ETHZ)

Labels

Master Thesis

Topics

  • Medical and Health Sciences
  • Engineering and Technology
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