Our goal is to develop an accurate model of temperature increases around DBS leads and to apply this model toward addressing burn hazards and heat mitigation technology. We developed and solved a finite element method (FEM) bio-heat transfer model of DBS incorporating realistic DBS lead architecture. The model was first validated using the experimental results (by matching saline thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity) and was then applied to develop methods to control temperature rises in the brain using "Heat-Sink" technology. Our heat sink technology can be also practically implemented in a broad range of implanted devices (cardiac / neuro-prosthetics, pumps,…) without modifying device operation or implant procedure (Patent Pending).
