Anne Marie Ripley

Title: Innovations by Anne Marie Ripley

Introduction

Anne Marie Ripley is a notable inventor based in Los Angeles, California. She has made significant contributions to the field of medical technology, particularly in neural stimulation. With two patents to her name, her work focuses on enhancing therapeutic treatments for neurological deficits.

Latest Patents

One of her latest patents is a flexible circuit electrode array. This invention utilizes polymer materials as electrode array bodies for neural stimulation. It is particularly beneficial for retinal stimulation to create artificial vision, cochlear stimulation for artificial hearing, and cortical stimulation for various purposes. The pressure applied against the retina or other neural tissue by the electrode array is critical. Too little pressure can lead to increased electrical resistance and electric field dispersion, while too much pressure may block blood flow. Common flexible circuit fabrication techniques typically require a flat electrode array, which can apply uneven pressure on the non-flat neural tissue. By applying the right amount of heat to a completed array, a curve can be induced, allowing for better contact with the tissue.

Another significant patent is a system and method suitable for treating patients with neurological deficits. This invention facilitates the sequential stimulation of neural pathways, such as muscles and associated nerves, for therapeutic medical treatment. It aims to rehabilitate weakened muscles and retrain sequential muscle movements, particularly valuable for stroke recovery. The system comprises a plurality of discrete devices, preferably battery-powered, that can be implanted within a patient's body via injection. Each device is designed to affect a parameter through nerve and muscle stimulation or to sense body parameters, operating under the control of a system controller.

Career Highlights

Anne Marie Ripley has worked with prominent organizations, including the Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research and Second Sight Medical Products, Inc. Her innovative work has garnered attention in the medical technology field.

Collaborations

She has collaborated with notable individuals such as Gregoire Cosendai and Ytizhak Zilberman, contributing to advancements in her field.

Conclusion

Anne Marie Ripley's contributions to medical technology through her patents and collaborations highlight her role as a leading inventor in neural stimulation. Her work continues to pave the way for innovative treatments for neurological conditions.