How the injectable nerve stimulation device works

About the size of a small seed, the device is injected into the body and positioned near specific nerves. Once in place, it delivers carefully controlled electrical signals that alter nerve activity. Power comes wirelessly from outside the body, allowing doctors and patients to adjust stimulation in real time.

The findings, published in Science Advances, describe a potentially minimally invasive approach to precise nerve stimulation. The technology is not intended to replace existing treatments such as medications or surgically implanted devices. Instead, it could provide another treatment option tailored to individual medical needs.

“This study represents a shift in the way we think about treating neurologically-related diseases,” said Professor Khalil Ramadi, assistant professor of bioengineering at NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Tandon School and senior author of the study. “By creating devices that can be injected rather than surgically implanted, we are making these treatments simpler, safer, and more accessible while maintaining precise control over neural activity.”

Wireless nerve stimulation without surgery

One potential advantage of the device is that physicians can use familiar imaging methods, including ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scans, to locate and monitor it. These techniques can help guide placement near the nerve of interest and later confirm the device’s position.

The implant also delivers programmable electrical stimulation. This allows the signals to be adjusted to a patient’s needs, potentially giving healthcare professionals greater flexibility when managing conditions involving abnormal or unwanted neural activity.

“This partnership with New York University Abu Dhabi reflects our commitment to advancing innovative and clinically relevant research that leads to meaningful improvements in patient care,” said Dr. Sohsan Abdel Razig, Chief Academic Officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. “By bringing together multidisciplinary expertise, this study highlights how academic partnerships can accelerate the development of safer, less invasive treatments and expand patient access to advanced treatments.”

Early preclinical results show precise nerve activation

The researchers evaluated the technology through laboratory experiments and preclinical testing. The results showed that the miniature device could provide precise neural stimulation while maintaining consistent performance under conditions designed to mimic real-world use.

The team also demonstrated that the device successfully activated nerves in vivo, rather than only in an isolated laboratory setting. This is an important early step in determining whether the technology could eventually be used in medical treatment.

“This technology has the potential to bridge the gap between non-invasive treatments and traditional implants,” said Dr. Mohamed El-Sherif, a research associate at New York University Abu Dhabi and lead author of the study. “This opens the door to effective and easily implemented treatments that could significantly improve patient care.”

Human clinical benefits have not yet been established

Although the injectable nerve stimulator has produced promising early results, its ability to reduce chronic pain or improve movement disorders in human patients has not yet been established.

If further research confirms its safety and effectiveness, the technology could reduce the need for more invasive procedures while supporting the use of advanced neurostimulation treatments. Avoiding surgical implantation may also help reduce surgery-related risks and shorten recovery time, potentially expanding access to these therapies.

Additional contributors to this study from New York University Abu Dhabi are Salma Mansour, Zhansaya Makhambetova, Fotoon Aldhanhani, Batoul Khlaifat, Mahmoud Elbeh, Vega Pradana Rachim, and Sohmyung Ha. Co-authors from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi were Hicham Abada, Juan S. Barajas-Gamboa, and Carlos M. Abril Vega.