Nest#2-Sensor Withdrawn from A Remote Module (SWARM)

NIH RePORTER · NIH · U41 · $673,441 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

The goal of this Nest is to facilitate research teams’ development and implementation of implantable sensors. Many research teams developing specialized sensors do not have the expertise in-house to develop human grade implants and to transition to testing in human subjects. As part of the Cleveland Open Source Modular Interoperable Implantable Community (COSMIIC), we will simplify and streamline this process for research groups by developing the Sensor Withdrawn from A Remote Module (SWARM). The SWARM System consists of a sensor agnostic module, the SWARM Host, that will communicate with an arbitrary outlying sensor, the SWARM Sensor, based on the clinical need and targeted function. As part of the COSMIIC ecosystem, teams can take advantage of the SWARM Host, power module (PM), and all of the other NNP platform hardware and software protocols, and focus development on a new SWARM sensor for internal health monitoring or other applications. Incorporating stimulation modules will enable closed loop control when clinically appropriate. This project will thereby enhance the development process for other teams and enable more rapid implementation in people with clinical needs. In addition to facilitating development, the proposed modularity enables sensor placement in locations of the body that would be impractical for a full remote module. For example, sensors could be placed in the distal extremities to measure foot and hand movement to support feedback control. Alternatively, sensors could be placed deeper into the body, on the heart, lungs, stomach, or other organs as part of an implanted system regulating autonomic function. This project will develop the SWARM Host and a single SWARM Sensor as a proof of concept. The SWARM Host will utilize the same packaging as existing remote modules, minimizing additional development. In this instance, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) will be implemented as the SWARM Sensor; however, the communication and powering protocols will enable the SWARM Host to receive digital or analog signals from a wide variety of sensors in the future so that the module can be used for many applications. The following Aims will facilitate translation to human users: Aim 1: Develop SWARM Host circuitry for communication with outlying sensors and integrate into a full module. Aim 2: Design and fabricate a SWARM IMU Sensor as a proof-of-concept. Aim 3: Complete bench-top testing for a full SWARM System to generate data for an early feasibility study IDE submission. This project will generate the SWARM System consisting of the Host and sensor. The documentation will create a pathway for other teams to develop sensors to integrate with the SWARM System. The open- source material will enable the COSMIIC community to implement new sensors that amplify potential clinical needs that could be met with the NNP system and then become products to improve quality of life for people.

Key facts

NIH application ID
10918157
Project number
5U41NS129436-03
Recipient
CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
Principal Investigator
Nathaniel Steven Makowski
Activity code
U41
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2024
Award amount
$673,441
Award type
5
Project period
2022-09-10 → 2026-08-31