INFORMATION TRANSFER BETWEEN MEDICAL DOCTORS AND IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICES VIA ARTIFICIAL MOLECULAR COMMUNICATION

Introduction

The EU defines an active implanted medical device (AIMD) as a device that relies on electrical energy or a source of energy other than that produced directly by the human body or gravity, intended to be implanted into the human body. The modern demand for medical facilities, the burden of chronic diseases, and technological advancements are the major factors contributing to the growth of the use of AIMDs.

Challenges in AIMD Development

The development of AIMDs is limited by the restricted possibility of communication to either control or monitor their function being buried inside the body.

Project Overview

The ERMES project aims to develop a new concept for information transfer between medical doctors (MD) and AIMDs using synthetic molecular communication (MC). MC is a bioinspired communication strategy that involves the use of molecules to encode and transport information.

Objectives of ERMES

ERMES aims to apply the concept of synthetic MC to enable medical doctors to communicate with future AIMDs. The researcher is going to involve:

1. The selection and chemical design and synthesis of suitable molecular messengers.
2. The design and validation of injection and modulation schemes for molecular messengers propagating in the body's vascular system, allowing MD to communicate the desired information towards an AIMD.
3. The development of detection strategies for chemical messengers inside the bloodstream released by the AIMD.
4. The investigation of suitable concepts to ensure reliable and secure communication between the AIMD and MD.

Organizational Structure

The ERMES project will be organized to operate along four Pillars:

1. Tools for the theoretical conception, consisting of analytical and simulation models for the design and optimization of all involved communication links.
2. In-vitro experimental systems on a laboratory scale for proofs-of-concept in a controllable environment.
3. In-vivo experimental systems based on models developed ad hoc for studies under real application conditions.
4. Trusted communication between AIMDs.