EEG signal processing and acquisition for detecting abnormalities via bio-implantable devices

The proposed research illustrates an innovating implantable micro-apparatus to be encompassed under the scalp for monitoring and retrieving electrical cerebral activities. The illustrated system considers its theoretical realization including, design of circuital electronic components and energy harvesting, 3D package, chemical aspects concerning the utilization of UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) polymeric materials for packaging including mechanical simulations and comparison with titanium material, and electromagnetic aspects regarding the Wi-Fi radiation. A full description of necessary circuitry is included. Moreover, for chemical viewpoint, requirements of polymeric nanomaterials, embedding silver or copper nanoparticles to be used for its fabrication, are discussed illustrating antibacterial and electromagnetic wall barrier properties. The study of the proposed work concerns the whole design of the system.

I. Rationale

There is a growing interest in bio-implantable devices and systems especially for neurorecording applications since Electroencephalogram (EEG) is one of the reliable physiological signals containing precious information for human being's health [1]. The continuous measurement of electrical signals from brain is a major topic in the field of electrical engineering involving diverse “actors” working on related research. The major topic outcomes should be to predict and to prevent disorders and strokes, to study diverse impairments as well as facts connected to retardation. A challenge is the use of direct probes inside the brain or surface electrodes for acquiring signals. All that depends upon the capabilities of have appropriate and dedicated devices to acquire and regulate signals containing deformations and abnormal levels of information. However, these devices can be skin-located or implantable. The first approach is generally used in many applications because of its simplicity. The latter is emerging as a credible solution to overcome difficulties due to medicine resistant pathologies. If it is easy to do so with heart, it is not expectable for neuro-cerebral systems because of its complexity and probable alteration that may affect the area we want to monitor and to access in. The growing and the complexity of neuro-cerebral disorders have been suggesting this kind of approach. Some examples are necessary to display the importance of the approach. Fig. 1

13electrodes-based EEG system

Fig. 2

13electrodes-based EEG system