Simulations Predict Increased Brain Antenna Performance Robustness by Adding Biocompatiblility Layer

The goal of this paper is to study the effects of the simulated reflection coefficient of a cortical UWB antenna in a planar multilayered head model. This study shows that the reflection in these deeply implanted antennas can be heavily influenced by the presence of cerebrospinal fluid. However, when coating the antenna with a thin biocompatible layer of alumina having a thickness of 0.1mm, the reflection coefficient shows much more robustness to interpersonal differences in head geometry and to small variations in antenna placement. This stable behavior to these uncontrollable parameters suggest that direct high-speed brain communication using untethered implants could be feasible. This topology could more elegant than a conventional tethered, subcutaneous approach, as this wire-free option eases surgical implantation and can prevent tissue damage created by the mechanical interaction between the body and the tether cables.