Modeling and Simulation of Foreign Body Reactions to Neural Implants

Abstract

The fibrotic capsulations to neural implant within brains are found to substantially reduce the effectiveness of the devices. While in vitro and in vivo experiments can single out each of the steps in foreign body reaction process leading to the formation of fibrotic tissue surrounding implants, we need the predictive power to analyze the outcome of multiple interactive complex kinetics of various factors and processes and to understand its dynamical behavior during the entire period (up to several months). A mathematical model is constructed to facilitate such a need and to complement experimental work. We report that preliminary simulation results have been consistent with experimental data and the model can provide useful information for future design of implant device.