Medical Design Briefs - August 2021 - 58

that comes directly from a healthy nerve
and doesn't require a complex implantation
process or charging.
The researchers developed a sensor
that can be implanted on a damaged
nerve under the tip of the finger; the
sensor connects to another nerve that
functions properly and restores some of
the tactile sensation to the finger. This
unique development does not require
an external power source such as electricity
or batteries. The researchers ex -
plain that the sensor actually works on
frictional force: whenever the device
senses friction, it charges itself.
The device consists of two tiny plates
less than half a centimeter by half a centimeter
in size. When these plates come
into contact with each other, they
release an electric charge that is transmitted
to the undamaged nerve. When
the injured finger touches something,
the touch releases tension corresponding
to the pressure applied to the
device - weak tension for a weak touch
and strong tension for a strong touch -
just like in a normal sense of touch.
The researchers explain that the
device can be implanted anywhere in
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in the human body, it does not require
maintenance, the implantation is simple,
and the device itself is not externally
visible.
The sensor can be implanted on a damaged
nerve under the tip of the finger and then connects
to another nerve that functions properly
and restores some of the tactile sensation to
the finger. (Credit: Tel Aviv University)
the body where tactile sensation needs
to be restored, and that it actually
bypasses the damaged sensory organs.
Moreover, the device is made from biocompatible
material that is safe for use
According to Dr. Maoz, after testing
the new sensor in the lab (with more
than half a million finger taps using the
device), the researchers implanted it in
the feet of the animal models. The animals
walked normally, without having
experienced any damage to their motor
nerves, and the tests showed that the
sensor allowed them to respond to sensory
stimuli.
" We tested our device on animal models,
and the results were very encouraging, "
concludes Dr. Maoz. " Next, we
want to test the implant on larger models,
and at a later stage implant our sensors
in the fingers of people who have
lost the ability to sense touch. Restoring
this ability can significantly improve people's
functioning and quality of life, and
more importantly, protect them from
danger. People lacking tactile sensation
cannot feel if their finger is being
crushed, burned or frozen. "
For more information, visit https://www.
maozlab.com.
Please visit www.techbriefs.com/webinar186
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Medical Design Briefs - August 2021

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