Research for the EPIONE Programme, University of Oxford
Research overview
Cross-cutting themes
The research focuses on four core interventional approaches, bound together by two cross-cutting themes:
Computational models and simulations
Computational models and simulations can be used to understand how neural systems involved in pain regulation operate and how technological interventions interact with these systems. Such models can be developed across multiple scales, from regional models that capture neuronal processing within specific brain areas to network-level models describing interactions between distributed brain circuits that regulate pain and behaviour. These modelling approaches provide a framework for analysing how neuromodulation technologies (for example, brain or spinal stimulation) influence neural activity and behaviour, and can support the design, optimisation, and personalisation of future therapeutic technologies aimed at alleviating pain.
Systems engineering approaches
Systems engineering approaches aim to combine multiple elements to design holistic, realisable treatments. This allows a transition of individual technologies into working clinical systems, and maps the pathway to impact.
Core interventional approaches
Surgically implanted deep brain stimulation systems
Surgically implanted deep brain stimulation systems, built on our Picostim-DyNeuMo system. This combines technical development and on our ongoing EPIONE clinical trial into deep brain stimulation for chronic neuropathic (post-stroke pain), for example developing adaptive and closed-loop stimulation approaches.
Programmed drug delivery systems
Programmed drug delivery systems using microfluidic implants manufactured using soft lithography and laser microfabrication methods. This develops pre-clinical precision closed-loop implantable technologies that deliver drugs directly to target areas.
Non-invasive focused transcranial ultrasound and transcranial magnetic stimulation
Non-invasive focused transcranial ultrasound (TUS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TUS allows targeting of sites deep in the brain using safe non-invasive focused ultrasound. In our work we will use patient specific ultrasonic lenses to target sites associated with pain networks (see image). We will investigate how TUS can modulate those networks to reduce pain. We will also investigate multi-modal stimulation with TMS including determining if TUS can prime networks for enhanced TMS response and vice-versa.
Novel neurofeedback systems
Novel neurofeedback systems. We view neurofeedback technologies as a key tool in patient-directed control and parameter tuning applicable to multiple technologies; for instance including brain stimulation by various methods. This develops human-in-the-loop systems for pain.