Project Overview

Modern neurological implant methods for diseases such as Parkinson’s are extremely invasive and can result in unwanted neural damage. It was theorized that an implant with the ability to navigate around the most important areas of the brain could have a significant effect in reducing failure rate and adverse side-effects of implant surgeries. The purpose of this project was to design a proof-of-concept (POC) for a small brain implant that can theoretically be controlled on a nonlinear path through any gelatinous medium, including the brain, using an applied external magnetic field. The implant was created successfully using a 3D printed screw housing in tandem with a small, cubic magnet. In testing, it has shown successful linear motion through a brain-like medium. Both the geometry of the implant and the external magnetic field were further tested and optimized to provide the most efficient version of this technology possible. The final design demonstrates the functionality of this implant technology, as well as the future optimizations that can be made to turn it into a working biomedical apparatus.

Here is our finished project report:

Here is our finished project poster: