# HORNET Center for Autonomic Nerve Recording and Stimulation Systems (CARSS)

> **NIH NIH U41** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · 2023 · $743,415

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY FINAL – U41 Supplement
Despite a wide-ranging interest in performing clinical research for bioelectronic medicine applications, there are
no available open-architecture and open-source implantable systems for autonomic nerve stimulation and
recording. As a result, clinical researchers face significant technical, regulatory, and financial hurdles in getting
access to the implantable neuromodulation technologies that are required for performing these clinical studies.
There are several clinical closed-loop implantable neuromodulation systems presently available and they have
been helpful in supporting clinical research. However, in their current form, none are suitable for the bioelectronic
medicine applications, as they lack key functional modules for accessing the autonomic nerves; moreover, many
of them use closed architectures (e.g., the use of custom ASICs instead of commercial over-the-shelf
components) and proprietary software.
 Therefore, the overall objective of this HORNET Center for Autonomic Nerve Recording and Stimulation
Systems (CARSS) is to develop an open-architecture and open-source implantable system for autonomic nerve
stimulation and recording. In this administrative supplement, we will perform short and long term validation of
functionality and safety of system components in large and small animal models. The CARSS system includes
an external charger and controller, implantable pulse generator, and an assortment of interoperable and
implantable leads for stimulation and sensing.
 The stomach and duodenum were selected for long term validation, consistent with the focus of the NIH
SPARC program. We will test in pig the implantable pulse generator, vagal nerve and sacral nerve stimulation
leads, electrocardiographic (ECG) leads, electromyographic (EMG) leads, and accelerometer-based motion
sensing (AMS) leads. Our remaining leads, including the helical cuff targeting nerves less than 1 mm in diameter,
mechanical sensing leads, and electrochemical sensors, will be tested in rats acutely and then chronically. The
electronics module for the CARSS system will be connected externally to the leads to perform stimulation and
sensing.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10892483
- **Project number:** 3U41NS129514-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Raja Hitti
- **Activity code:** U41 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $743,415
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-09-23 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10892483

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10892483, HORNET Center for Autonomic Nerve Recording and Stimulation Systems (CARSS) (3U41NS129514-02S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10892483. Licensed CC0.

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