| Abstract |
This project aims to design a neurostimulation platform for small animal experimentation. It combines different aspects of engineering to create a device capable of accurately sending ultrasound waves through abdominal tissue of a mouse, targeting its spleen. This technology targets the channel of the vagus nerve in the spleen, aiming to trigger the cholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex to regulate innate immune response. The device comprises of a multi-joint arm able to move in any direction or orientation, more specifically for general location towards the spleen. It can also do smaller and precise movement in the abdominal region of the subject by adjusting dials for the mouse bed in the X,Y, and Z directions. The transducer, aided by a function generator and oscilloscope, can conduct stiffness testing to locate the spleen, through a process named elastography. Then when set to stimulation mode, the ultrasound will target the spleen to stimulate the CAIR. |
| Team Members |
Max Askew, Angelo DeLuca, Kaiden Manderson, Toci Nwaoha, Maxime Larsen, Sean Crowley, Ethan Donahue, Corey Gilbert |
