INS2: Australia develops first smartchip for pain

William Atkins
Tuesday, 14 December 2010 00:14

Science - Health

The Implantable Neuro Sensing and Stimulation (INS2) device is considered the first miniature smartchip for treating chronic pain. Its very small size, along with other key features, allows the smartchip to manage pain better in humans.

The INS2 was designed by Sydney (Australia) researchers at the National ICT Australia (NICTA), which is Australia's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Research Centre of Excellence, and developed at NICTA's Australian Technology Park Laboratory (ATPL).

The INS2 is a smart chip that is embedded in a biocompatible device, which is smaller than the head of a match - such a tiny size makes it much more efficient at providing pain relief for numerous medical conditions.

According to the December 11, 2010 New South Wales (NSW) government media release "World-first miniature smartchip for treating chronic pain being developed in Sydney", 'NSW Treasurer and Minister for State and Regional Development Eric Roozendaal today announced Sydney researchers are preparing for human trials of a world-first smartchip designed to treat chronic pain by implanting it near the spinal cord.'

The device is much smaller than currently used devices, which is why it is such a revolutionary way to treat pain. Its tiny size allows surgeons to implant it close to the spine, which makes it an easier type of surgery.

It is also a more reliable device because the connection leads are shorter, due to its position closer to the spine.

Its other important features include rechargeable batteries that can be charged wirelessly, and the ability to measure different levels of pain to provide just the right amount of relief.

The INS2 treats chronic pain by, first, measuring the amount of pain and then, secondly, blocking the pain before it goes to the brain.

Page two continues with further details on the workings of the smartchip device.