Scientists at NICTA, an Australian research institution, have developed a microscopic implantable chip that, in combination with a small battery and computer, can detect and block pain signals traveling up the spinal cord, probably in the spinothalamic tract. The chip is small enough to fit into a 1.22mm lead and the system can deliver 10 volt pulses when pain signals are detected. Overall, the system seems very much like other implanted neurostimulators, only in a much smaller package. The researchers are planning on starting clinical trials of the device in the new year.
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