Noora Almarri

A little About myself

My name is Noora, and I am 23 years old. I am currently a PhD student in University College London (UCL), doing my research in biomedical implantable electronics. I chose this degree because I enjoy designing electronics chips that is limited in power. Outside of the engineering field, I spend my time writing stories and plays. I really enjoy reading fiction and philosophy, and explore fundemental questions about the universe. I am currently part of the FabAcademy to explore my creative interests, and build my first startup! I am interested to explore wearable medical electronics to enhance my research experience.

Understanding Wearable Medical Electronics

I have built A live Demonstration: A wearable Multi-Sensory Platform for Closed-Loop Optical Stimulation Control in Treating Muscle Paralysis.
The system that I have designed is able to restore hand grasp movement to patients suffering from muscle paralysis, by optical stmulating engrafted stem cell-derived motor neurons that reinnervate the externsor and flexor muscles. The system contains both electrical impednace Tomography (EIT) to detect the muscle contractions, and also inertial impedance tomography (EIT) to detect the impednace variation caused by the muscle contraction, and using inertiral measurements. The LEDs stimulator turn on dependent on the different hand movements that are caused by the weable EIT system on the forearms and the IMUs on the fingers.

This video talks a little about the future of bioelectronics.

This video is by an Amazing professor that speaks about medical electronics!

Final Project

My next project that I will build with the Fablabs will combine both EIT technology, and it will be a Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Colorectal Disorders. As we can see here there are some simulators for the sacral nerve but it is an implantable device. Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has been used to treat OAB for several decades. The SNS device is implanted above the buttocks. A lead sends electrical impulses to the sacral nerves to calm the bladder



Tabial Nerve Stimulator

Another OAB treatment modality included in the recent review is percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TNS). Physicians insert a small needle into the ankle to stimulate the tibial nerve once a week for the first three months, followed by ongoing monthly appointments

Two new implantable TNS devices have potential to eliminate the need for the frequent office visits. One is the Bioness StimRouterTM neuromodulation system. It has an implanted lead with an integrated receiver, anchor and three electrode contacts in close association to the posterior tibial nerve. The lead captures stimulation energy that is delivered wirelessly and transdermally from a rechargeable external pulse transmitter and electrode patch. Both the transmitter and patch are worn only during periods of stimulation. The patient uses a programmer to track usage and change programs. The programmer controls the external pulse transmitter wirelessly. Dr. Goldman is the site principal investigator for an ongoing clinical trial of this technology.

Pain Stimulator for the spinal Cord

To be able to understand how pain stimulators work. It is important to understand how pain is felt. Pain is the way the brain interprets information about a particulat sensation the body is experiencing. The information is sent to the brain via nerve pathways. The way the brain interprets this information is complex and can be affected by many outside factors. Pain is multidimensional: it can be physical, mental and also emotional. Chronic pain can persists for several months that is hard to cope with. It has emotional side effects such as depression, anger or anxiety.

Spinal Cord Stimulation