Remote Detection of Implanted Neurostimulator in MRI Scanner

Pallab K. Bhattacharyya¹, Erik B. Beall¹, Michael D. Phillips¹, Mark J. Lowe¹

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) using implants is an effective symptomatic treatment of conditions like Parkinson’s disease, major depression and tremor. Functional MRI (fMRI) scans have the potential to decode the underlying mechanisms of the efficacy of DBS, and are usually performed with externalized neurostimulators. In order to perform fMRI scans with implanted neurostimulators, it is essential to monitor the ON/OFF state of the device. Using an AM receiver circuit to pick up an external RF signal from the stimulator when it is active, we have developed a prototype of a device to monitor the state of implanted neurostimulators at 3T.