ThirdFactor | RFID to combat chronic pain?

Friday, May 15, 2009

Dallas-headquartered startup MicroTransponder is working to develop a RFID-based implant to use in the treatment of chronic pain. The device, roughly the size of a grain of rice, would provide a wireless alternative to larger spinal-cord stimulators currently being used for the same purpose.

Both the potential RFID implant and the current stimulators work on the same principle; an electrical pulse delivered by the device overrides neural pain signals sent to the spinal cord. Devices currently on the market require a battery and controller to be implanted under the skin, with a set of connected leads delivering the pulses.

MicroTransponder’s proposed implant would have no internal battery. Instead, an external battery-powered coil worn on the patient’s arm or leg would create the radio frequency transmissions which would power the implant’s electrodes. The system would be controlled by a laptop or PDA.

The system is currently being tested on rats. If the tests prove successful, researchers believe the implants could be used for a range of conditions, from chronic pain to tinnitus.

Other researchers say previous attempts at similar devices has proved unsuccessful, and are skeptical that sufficient stimulation can be generated by this type of system. A MicroTransponder spokesperson says the firm is optimistic that its proprietary technology will be more successful.

Read the full story here.

Ohio State uses RFID to combat bike theft

As part of the university’s Student Affairs Risk Assessment efforts, Ohio State University is using RFID technology to combat bike theft.

Coined “Bug Your Bike,” the program gives students the option to obtain a free RFID tag which can be placed on their bikes to prevent theft. Police can then use this technology to positively identify stolen bicycles and to return the property to their rightful owners.

Meridian, Cypak launch joint venture for NFC-enabled health care solutions

Meridian Health and Cypak have announced the launch of their new joint venture, iMPak Health, whose mission will be to develop smart, easy to use wireless devices and services to screen and monitor health and overall well-being.

Verayo, SkyeTek targets pharmaceutical anti-counterfeiting in Africa

Verayo and SkyeTek have partnered with GLOBALPCCA, an investments and health care solutions group, to deliver an RFID authentication solution to target consumer and pharmaceutical product anti-counterfeiting in Africa.

ClearCount Medical Solutions obtains new financing

ClearCount Medical Solutions, a Pittsburgh-based provider of patient safety products for the operating room, has closed its $5 million series B financing round.

The company intends to use the funds to further research and development of its RFID-based solutions for operating rooms. ClearCount has already developed the first FDA-cleared sponge counting and detection solution.

Innovatum adds Web-based printing, reporting for pharmaceuticals

Innovatum Inc., a Sugar Hill, Ga.-baded provider of enterprise compliance software and services, has added label printing and audit log reporting to the growing suite of Web-based modules for its ROBAR Enterprise System, a bar code and RFID label system for designing, reviewing, approving and printing pharmaceutical and medical device labels.

Take your meds or else

The University of Florida is working on a prototype RFID microchip that will let doctors and care givers know if patients have taken their medicines, according to a RFID World Canada report.

Subscribe

Print Magazine

Featured Events

Links

Searching …

RFID to combat chronic pain?