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Carnicer-Lombarte A, Boys AJ, Güemes A, Gurke J, Velasco-Bosom S, Hilton S, Barone DG, Malliaras GG. Ultraconformable cuff implants for long-term bidirectional interfacing of peripheral nerves at sub-nerve resolutions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7523. [PMID: 39214981 PMCID: PMC11364531 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51988-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Implantable devices interfacing with peripheral nerves exhibit limited longevity and resolution. Poor nerve-electrode interface quality, invasive surgical placement and development of foreign body reaction combine to limit research and clinical application of these devices. Here, we develop cuff implants with a conformable design that achieve high-quality and stable interfacing with nerves in chronic implantation scenarios. When implanted in sensorimotor nerves of the arm in awake rats for 21 days, the devices record nerve action potentials with fascicle-specific resolution and extract from these the conduction velocity and direction of propagation. The cuffs exhibit high biocompatibility, producing lower levels of fibrotic scarring than clinically equivalent PDMS silicone cuffs. In addition to recording nerve activity, the devices are able to modulate nerve activity at sub-nerve resolution to produce a wide range of paw movements. When used in a partial nerve ligation rodent model, the cuffs identify and characterise changes in nerve C fibre activity associated with the development of neuropathic pain in freely-moving animals. The developed implantable devices represent a platform enabling new forms of fine nerve signal sensing and modulation, with applications in physiology research and closed-loop therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte
- University of Cambridge, Electrical Engineering Division, 9 JJ Thomson Ave, Cambridge, CB3 0FA, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J Boys
- University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Amparo Güemes
- University of Cambridge, Electrical Engineering Division, 9 JJ Thomson Ave, Cambridge, CB3 0FA, United Kingdom
| | - Johannes Gurke
- University of Cambridge, Electrical Engineering Division, 9 JJ Thomson Ave, Cambridge, CB3 0FA, United Kingdom
- University of Potsdam, Institute of Chemistry, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Santiago Velasco-Bosom
- University of Cambridge, Electrical Engineering Division, 9 JJ Thomson Ave, Cambridge, CB3 0FA, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Hilton
- University of Cambridge, Electrical Engineering Division, 9 JJ Thomson Ave, Cambridge, CB3 0FA, United Kingdom
| | - Damiano G Barone
- University of Cambridge, Electrical Engineering Division, 9 JJ Thomson Ave, Cambridge, CB3 0FA, United Kingdom.
- University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom.
| | - George G Malliaras
- University of Cambridge, Electrical Engineering Division, 9 JJ Thomson Ave, Cambridge, CB3 0FA, United Kingdom.
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2
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Romero-Ortega M. Peripheral Nerve Interface, Regenerative. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE 2022:2694-2697. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1006-0_212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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3
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Lang Y, Tang R, Liu Y, Xi P, Liu H, Quan Z, Song D, Lv X, Huang Q, He J. Multisite Simultaneous Neural Recording of Motor Pathway in Free-Moving Rats. BIOSENSORS 2021; 11:bios11120503. [PMID: 34940260 PMCID: PMC8699182 DOI: 10.3390/bios11120503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Neural interfaces typically focus on one or two sites in the motoneuron system simultaneously due to the limitation of the recording technique, which restricts the scope of observation and discovery of this system. Herein, we built a system with various electrodes capable of recording a large spectrum of electrophysiological signals from the cortex, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles of freely moving animals. The system integrates adjustable microarrays, floating microarrays, and microwires to a commercial connector and cuff electrode on a wireless transmitter. To illustrate the versatility of the system, we investigated its performance for the behavior of rodents during tethered treadmill walking, untethered wheel running, and open field exploration. The results indicate that the system is stable and applicable for multiple behavior conditions and can provide data to support previously inaccessible research of neural injury, rehabilitation, brain-inspired computing, and fundamental neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Lang
- Beijing Innovation Centre for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (R.T.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
| | - Rongyu Tang
- Beijing Innovation Centre for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (R.T.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
| | - Yafei Liu
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (P.X.); (H.L.)
| | - Pengcheng Xi
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (P.X.); (H.L.)
| | - Honghao Liu
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (P.X.); (H.L.)
| | - Zhenzhen Quan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Z.Q.); (D.S.)
| | - Da Song
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Z.Q.); (D.S.)
| | - Xiaodong Lv
- Beijing Innovation Centre for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (R.T.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
| | - Qiang Huang
- Beijing Innovation Centre for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (R.T.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
| | - Jiping He
- Beijing Innovation Centre for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (R.T.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Correspondence:
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Metcalfe BW, Hunter AJ, Graham-Harper-Cater JE, Taylor JT. Array processing of neural signals recorded from the peripheral nervous system for the classification of action potentials. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 347:108967. [PMID: 33035576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recording from the peripheral nervous system is key in the development of implantable neural interfaces. Despite a long history of using implantable electrodes for neuro-stimulation, it is difficult to make recordings from the nerves as signal amplitudes are often too small to be detected. Methods exist that are suitable for recording evoked potentials, but these require artificial stimulation of the nerve and thus have limited use in implanted neural interfaces. NEW METHOD In order to address these issues new methods are developed to analyse spontaneously occurring action potentials by extending an approach called velocity selective recording, which uses longitudinally spaced electrodes to record action potentials as they propagate. The new methods using image processing techniques to automatically identify and classify action potentials without any prior knowledge of their morphology. RESULTS Simulations are developed to test the methods, and a detailed experimental validation is performed using in-vivo recordings from the L5 dorsal rootlet of rat. Results show that this new approach can discriminate action potentials from both simulated and real recordings and the experimental validation demonstrates an ability to detect dermal stimulation by changes in the firing patterns of different axons. COMPARISON TO EXISTING METHODS This framework, unlike existing methods, is intrinsically suitable for recordings of spontaneous neural activity. Further it improves upon both the computational complexity and the overall performance of existing methods. CONCLUSION It is possible to perform on-line discrimination and identification of action potentials without any prior knowledge of their morphology using new image processing inspired methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin W Metcalfe
- Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Alan J Hunter
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | | | - John T Taylor
- Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
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5
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He F, Lycke R, Ganji M, Xie C, Luan L. Ultraflexible Neural Electrodes for Long-Lasting Intracortical Recording. iScience 2020; 23:101387. [PMID: 32745989 PMCID: PMC7398974 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Implanted electrodes provide one of the most important neurotechniques for fundamental and translational neurosciences by permitting time-resolved electrical detection of individual neurons in vivo. However, conventional rigid electrodes typically cannot provide stable, long-lasting recordings. Numerous interwoven biotic and abiotic factors at the tissue-electrode interface lead to short- and long-term instability of the recording performance. Making neural electrodes flexible provides a promising approach to mitigate these challenges on the implants and at the tissue-electrode interface. Here we review the recent progress of ultraflexible neural electrodes and discuss the engineering principles, the material properties, and the implantation strategies to achieve stable tissue-electrode interface and reliable unit recordings in living brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei He
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA; NeuroEngineering Initiative, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Roy Lycke
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA; NeuroEngineering Initiative, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 107 Dean Keeton, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Mehran Ganji
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA; NeuroEngineering Initiative, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 107 Dean Keeton, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Chong Xie
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA; NeuroEngineering Initiative, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Lan Luan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA; NeuroEngineering Initiative, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA.
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Wire Electrodes Embedded in Artificial Conduit for Long-term Monitoring of the Peripheral Nerve Signal. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10030184. [PMID: 30871203 PMCID: PMC6471311 DOI: 10.3390/mi10030184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Massive efforts to develop neural interfaces have been made for controlling prosthetic limbs according to the will of the patient, with the ultimate goal being long-term implantation. One of the major struggles is that the electrode’s performance degrades over time due to scar formation. Herein, we have developed peripheral nerve electrodes with a cone-shaped flexible artificial conduit capable of protecting wire electrodes from scar formation. The wire electrodes, which are composed of biocompatible alloy materials, were embedded in the conduit where the inside was filled with collagen to allow the damaged nerves to regenerate into the conduit and interface with the wire electrodes. After implanting the wire electrodes into the sciatic nerve of a rat, we successfully recorded the peripheral neural signals while providing mechanical stimulation. Remarkably, we observed the external stimuli-induced nerve signals at 19 weeks after implantation. This is possibly due to axon regeneration inside our platform. To verify the tissue response of our electrodes to the sciatic nerve, we performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) and observed axon regeneration without scar tissue forming inside the conduit. Thus, our strategy has proven that our neural interface can play a significant role in the long-term monitoring of the peripheral nerve signal.
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7
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Dong W, Cheng X, Xiong T, Wang X. Stretchable bio-potential electrode with self-similar serpentine structure for continuous, long-term, stable ECG recordings. Biomed Microdevices 2019; 21:6. [DOI: 10.1007/s10544-018-0353-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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8
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Coker RA, Zellmer ER, Moran DW. Micro-channel sieve electrode for concurrent bidirectional peripheral nerve interface. Part A: recording. J Neural Eng 2018; 16:026001. [PMID: 30524005 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/aaefcf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Advancement in prosthetic limb technology requires corresponding improvements in the capability of the amputee to naturally control the device via original motor pathways while simultaneously receiving haptic feedback via sensory pathways. Recording efferent axonal activity using a peripheral neural interface (PNI) allows a good tradeoff between invasiveness and selectivity while possibly preserving the phenomenology of controlling the original limb. One such PNI, the thin-film transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrode (tfTIME), has been shown to be successful in controlling powered prosthetics. However, the tfTIME is highly susceptible to stimulation artifact; thus, using such a PNI to both record efferent motor signals while concurrently stimulating afferent sensory axons in the same nerve is problematic. The micro-channel sieve electrode could also provide a stable, selective, neural interface with larger signal-to-noise levels that are less susceptible to concurrent stimulation artifact or other external noise effects. APPROACH This study uses a computational model to compare recording levels of simulated ENGs across neural drive levels as well as basic control signals derived from the ENGs in both tfTIME and micro-channel sieve PNIs. A motor neuron pool model generated axon firing rates at a given neural drive. The time course of the corresponding extracellular currents of the myelinated motor axons were determined using core conductor axon models. Finite element models determined the contribution of the extracellular current from nodes of Ranvier on potentials recorded using each interface. Contributions from each node were combined to create the final ENG. MAIN RESULTS ENGs recorded using the micro-channel sieves were shown to have much higher amplitudes compared to ENGs recorded using the tfTIMEs. Signal amplitudes also varied less as a function of axonal placement and spike timing, resulting in more consistent signals with amplitudes determined predominantly by neural drive. SIGNIFICANCE Simulation results suggest that the micro-channel sieve provides higher quality control signals over tfTIME PNIs in decoding ENGs. Coupling these results with concurrent stimulation results of the companion paper (Part B: stimulation) suggests that the micro-channel sieve is an optimal bidirectional PNI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Coker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States of America
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Spearman BS, Desai VH, Mobini S, McDermott MD, Graham JB, Otto KJ, Judy JW, Schmidt CE. Tissue-Engineered Peripheral Nerve Interfaces. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2018; 28:1701713. [PMID: 37829558 PMCID: PMC10569514 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201701713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Research on neural interfaces has historically concentrated on development of systems for the brain; however, there is increasing interest in peripheral nerve interfaces (PNIs) that could provide benefit when peripheral nerve function is compromised, such as for amputees. Efforts focus on designing scalable and high-performance sensory and motor peripheral nervous system interfaces. Current PNIs face several design challenges such as undersampling of signals from the thousands of axons, nerve-fiber selectivity, and device-tissue integration. To improve PNIs, several researchers have turned to tissue engineering. Peripheral nerve tissue engineering has focused on designing regeneration scaffolds that mimic normal nerve extracellular matrix composition, provide advanced microarchitecture to stimulate cell migration, and have mechanical properties like the native nerve. By combining PNIs with tissue engineering, the goal is to promote natural axon regeneration into the devices to facilitate close contact with electrodes; in contrast, traditional PNIs rely on insertion or placement of electrodes into or around existing nerves, or do not utilize materials to actively facilitate axon regeneration. This review presents the state-of-the-art of PNIs and nerve tissue engineering, highlights recent approaches to combine neural-interface technology and tissue engineering, and addresses the remaining challenges with foreign-body response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S Spearman
- Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., BMS Building JG-56, 116131, Gainesville, FL 32611-6131
| | - Vidhi H Desai
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Florida, 216 Larsen Hall, 116200, Gainesville, FL 32611-6200
- Nanoscience Institute for Medical and Engineering Technology, The University of Florida, 1041 Center Drive, 116621, Gainesville, FL 32611-6621
| | - Sahba Mobini
- Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., BMS Building JG-56, 116131, Gainesville, FL 32611-6131
| | - Matthew D McDermott
- Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., BMS Building JG-56, 116131, Gainesville, FL 32611-6131
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 S. Martin Jischke Dr., West Lafayette, IN 47907-2032
| | - James B Graham
- Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., BMS Building JG-56, 116131, Gainesville, FL 32611-6131
| | - Kevin J Otto
- Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., BMS Building JG-56, 116131, Gainesville, FL 32611-6131
- Nanoscience Institute for Medical and Engineering Technology, The University of Florida, 1041 Center Drive, 116621, Gainesville, FL 32611-6621
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Florida, 1149 Newell Dr., Room L1-100, 100244, Gainesville, FL 32610-0244
- Department of Neurology, The University of Florida, 2000 SW Archer Rd., Third Floor, 100383, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Jack W Judy
- Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., BMS Building JG-56, 116131, Gainesville, FL 32611-6131
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Florida, 216 Larsen Hall, 116200, Gainesville, FL 32611-6200
- Nanoscience Institute for Medical and Engineering Technology, The University of Florida, 1041 Center Drive, 116621, Gainesville, FL 32611-6621
| | - Christine E Schmidt
- Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., BMS Building JG-56, 116131, Gainesville, FL 32611-6131
- Nanoscience Institute for Medical and Engineering Technology, The University of Florida, 1041 Center Drive, 116621, Gainesville, FL 32611-6621
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Interfacing with the nervous system: a review of current bioelectric technologies. Neurosurg Rev 2017; 42:227-241. [PMID: 29063229 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-017-0920-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to discuss the state of the art with regard to established or promising bioelectric therapies meant to alter or control neurologic function. We present recent reports on bioelectric technologies that interface with the nervous system at three potential sites-(1) the end organ, (2) the peripheral nervous system, and (3) the central nervous system-while exploring practical and clinical considerations. A literature search was executed on PubMed, IEEE, and Web of Science databases. A review of the current literature was conducted to examine functional and histomorphological effects of neuroprosthetic interfaces with a focus on end-organ, peripheral, and central nervous system interfaces. Innovations in bioelectric technologies are providing increasing selectivity in stimulating distinct nerve fiber populations in order to activate discrete muscles. Significant advances in electrode array design focus on increasing selectivity, stability, and functionality of implantable neuroprosthetics. The application of neuroprosthetics to paretic nerves or even directly stimulating or recording from the central nervous system holds great potential in advancing the field of nerve and tissue bioelectric engineering and contributing to clinical care. Although current physiotherapeutic and surgical treatments seek to restore function, structure, or comfort, they bear significant limitations in enabling cosmetic or functional recovery. Instead, the introduction of bioelectric technology may play a role in the restoration of function in patients with neurologic deficits.
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11
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Love B. Neural Interventions. Biomaterials 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-809478-5.00012-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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12
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Thompson CH, Zoratti MJ, Langhals NB, Purcell EK. Regenerative Electrode Interfaces for Neural Prostheses. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2016; 22:125-35. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2015.0279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cort H. Thompson
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Marissa J. Zoratti
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Nicholas B. Langhals
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Erin K. Purcell
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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Srinivasan A, Tipton J, Tahilramani M, Kharbouch A, Gaupp E, Song C, Venkataraman P, Falcone J, Lacour SP, Stanley GB, English AW, Bellamkonda RV. A regenerative microchannel device for recording multiple single-unit action potentials in awake, ambulatory animals. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 43:474-85. [PMID: 26370722 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite significant advances in robotics, commercially advanced prosthetics provide only a small fraction of the functionality of the amputated limb that they are meant to replace. Peripheral nerve interfacing could provide a rich controlling link between the body and these advanced prosthetics in order to increase their overall utility. Here, we report on the development of a fully integrated regenerative microchannel interface with 30 microelectrodes and signal extraction capabilities enabling evaluation in an awake and ambulatory rat animal model. In vitro functional testing validated the capability of the microelectrodes to record neural signals similar in size and nature to those that occur in vivo. In vitro dorsal root ganglia cultures revealed striking cytocompatibility of the microchannel interface. Finally, in vivo, the microchannel interface was successfully used to record a multitude of single-unit action potentials through 63% of the integrated microelectrodes at the early time point of 3 weeks. This marks a significant advance in microchannel interfacing, demonstrating the capability of microchannels to be used for peripheral nerve interfacing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhil Srinivasan
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - John Tipton
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Mayank Tahilramani
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Adel Kharbouch
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Eric Gaupp
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Chao Song
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Poornima Venkataraman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Jessica Falcone
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Stéphanie P Lacour
- Centre for Neuroprosthetics, School of Engineering, Institute of Microengineering and Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Garrett B Stanley
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Arthur W English
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ravi V Bellamkonda
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
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14
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A new method for spike extraction using velocity selective recording demonstrated with physiological ENG in Rat. J Neurosci Methods 2015; 251:47-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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15
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Jeong JW, Shin G, Park SI, Yu KJ, Xu L, Rogers JA. Soft materials in neuroengineering for hard problems in neuroscience. Neuron 2015; 86:175-86. [PMID: 25856493 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
We describe recent advances in soft electronic interface technologies for neuroscience research. Here, low modulus materials and/or compliant mechanical structures enable modes of soft, conformal integration and minimally invasive operation that would be difficult or impossible to achieve using conventional approaches. We begin by summarizing progress in electrodes and associated electronics for signal amplification and multiplexed readout. Examples in large-area, surface conformal electrode arrays and flexible, multifunctional depth-penetrating probes illustrate the power of these concepts. A concluding section highlights areas of opportunity in the further development and application of these technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Woong Jeong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Gunchul Shin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Sung Il Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ki Jun Yu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Lizhi Xu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - John A Rogers
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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16
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Gore RK, Choi Y, Bellamkonda R, English A. Functional recordings from awake, behaving rodents through a microchannel based regenerative neural interface. J Neural Eng 2015; 12:016017. [PMID: 25605627 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/12/1/016017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neural interface technologies could provide controlling connections between the nervous system and external technologies, such as limb prosthetics. The recording of efferent, motor potentials is a critical requirement for a peripheral neural interface, as these signals represent the user-generated neural output intended to drive external devices. Our objective was to evaluate structural and functional neural regeneration through a microchannel neural interface and to characterize potentials recorded from electrodes placed within the microchannels in awake and behaving animals. APPROACH Female rats were implanted with muscle EMG electrodes and, following unilateral sciatic nerve transection, the cut nerve was repaired either across a microchannel neural interface or with end-to-end surgical repair. During a 13 week recovery period, direct muscle responses to nerve stimulation proximal to the transection were monitored weekly. In two rats repaired with the neural interface, four wire electrodes were embedded in the microchannels and recordings were obtained within microchannels during proximal stimulation experiments and treadmill locomotion. MAIN RESULTS In these proof-of-principle experiments, we found that axons from cut nerves were capable of functional reinnervation of distal muscle targets, whether regenerating through a microchannel device or after direct end-to-end repair. Discrete stimulation-evoked and volitional potentials were recorded within interface microchannels in a small group of awake and behaving animals and their firing patterns correlated directly with intramuscular recordings during locomotion. Of 38 potentials extracted, 19 were identified as motor axons reinnervating tibialis anterior or soleus muscles using spike triggered averaging. SIGNIFICANCE These results are evidence for motor axon regeneration through microchannels and are the first report of in vivo recordings from regenerated motor axons within microchannels in a small group of awake and behaving animals. These unique findings provide preliminary evidence that efferent, volitional motor potentials can be recorded from the microchannel-based peripheral neural interface; a critical requirement for any neural interface intended to facilitate direct neural control of external technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell K Gore
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, 550 Peachtree Street NE, 9th Floor MOT, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA. Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Pashaie R, Anikeeva P, Lee JH, Prakash R, Yizhar O, Prigge M, Chander D, Richner TJ, Williams J. Optogenetic brain interfaces. IEEE Rev Biomed Eng 2014; 7:3-30. [PMID: 24802525 DOI: 10.1109/rbme.2013.2294796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The brain is a large network of interconnected neurons where each cell functions as a nonlinear processing element. Unraveling the mysteries of information processing in the complex networks of the brain requires versatile neurostimulation and imaging techniques. Optogenetics is a new stimulation method which allows the activity of neurons to be modulated by light. For this purpose, the cell-types of interest are genetically targeted to produce light-sensitive proteins. Once these proteins are expressed, neural activity can be controlled by exposing the cells to light of appropriate wavelengths. Optogenetics provides a unique combination of features, including multimodal control over neural function and genetic targeting of specific cell-types. Together, these versatile features combine to a powerful experimental approach, suitable for the study of the circuitry of psychiatric and neurological disorders. The advent of optogenetics was followed by extensive research aimed to produce new lines of light-sensitive proteins and to develop new technologies: for example, to control the distribution of light inside the brain tissue or to combine optogenetics with other modalities including electrophysiology, electrocorticography, nonlinear microscopy, and functional magnetic resonance imaging. In this paper, the authors review some of the recent advances in the field of optogenetics and related technologies and provide their vision for the future of the field.
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Srinivasan A, Tahilramani M, Bentley JT, Gore RK, Millard DC, Mukhatyar VJ, Joseph A, Haque AS, Stanley GB, English AW, Bellamkonda RV. Microchannel-based regenerative scaffold for chronic peripheral nerve interfacing in amputees. Biomaterials 2014; 41:151-65. [PMID: 25522974 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 10/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neurally controlled prosthetics that cosmetically and functionally mimic amputated limbs remain a clinical need because state of the art neural prosthetics only provide a fraction of a natural limb's functionality. Here, we report on the fabrication and capability of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and epoxy-based SU-8 photoresist microchannel scaffolds to serve as viable constructs for peripheral nerve interfacing through in vitro and in vivo studies in a sciatic nerve amputee model where the nerve lacks distal reinnervation targets. These studies showed microchannels with 100 μm × 100 μm cross-sectional areas support and direct the regeneration/migration of axons, Schwann cells, and fibroblasts through the microchannels with space available for future maturation of the axons. Investigation of the nerve in the distal segment, past the scaffold, showed a high degree of organization, adoption of the microchannel architecture forming 'microchannel fascicles', reformation of endoneurial tubes and axon myelination, and a lack of aberrant and unorganized growth that might be characteristic of neuroma formation. Separate chronic terminal in vivo electrophysiology studies utilizing the microchannel scaffolds with permanently integrated microwire electrodes were conducted to evaluate interfacing capabilities. In all devices a variety of spontaneous, sensory evoked and electrically evoked single and multi-unit action potentials were recorded after five months of implantation. Together, these findings suggest that microchannel scaffolds are well suited for chronic implantation and peripheral nerve interfacing to promote organized nerve regeneration that lends itself well to stable interfaces. Thus this study establishes the basis for the advanced fabrication of large-electrode count, wireless microchannel devices that are an important step towards highly functional, bi-directional peripheral nerve interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhil Srinivasan
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Mayank Tahilramani
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - John T Bentley
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Russell K Gore
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Daniel C Millard
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Vivek J Mukhatyar
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Anish Joseph
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Adel S Haque
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Garrett B Stanley
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Arthur W English
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ravi V Bellamkonda
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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Chew DJ, Zhu L, Delivopoulos E, Minev IR, Musick KM, Mosse CA, Craggs M, Donaldson N, Lacour SP, McMahon SB, Fawcett JW. A microchannel neuroprosthesis for bladder control after spinal cord injury in rat. Sci Transl Med 2014; 5:210ra155. [PMID: 24197736 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3007186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A severe complication of spinal cord injury is loss of bladder function (neurogenic bladder), which is characterized by loss of bladder sensation and voluntary control of micturition (urination), and spontaneous hyperreflexive voiding against a closed sphincter (detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia). A sacral anterior root stimulator at low frequency can drive volitional bladder voiding, but surgical rhizotomy of the lumbosacral dorsal roots is needed to prevent spontaneous voiding and dyssynergia. However, rhizotomy is irreversible and eliminates sexual function, and the stimulator gives no information on bladder fullness. We designed a closed-loop neuroprosthetic interface that measures bladder fullness and prevents spontaneous voiding episodes without the need for dorsal rhizotomy in a rat model. To obtain bladder sensory information, we implanted teased dorsal roots (rootlets) within the rat vertebral column into microchannel electrodes, which provided signal amplification and noise suppression. As long as they were attached to the spinal cord, these rootlets survived for up to 3 months and contained axons and blood vessels. Electrophysiological recordings showed that half of the rootlets propagated action potentials, with firing frequency correlated to bladder fullness. When the bladder became full enough to initiate spontaneous voiding, high-frequency/amplitude sensory activity was detected. Voiding was abolished using a high-frequency depolarizing block to the ventral roots. A ventral root stimulator initiated bladder emptying at low frequency and prevented unwanted contraction at high frequency. These data suggest that sensory information from the dorsal root together with a ventral root stimulator could form the basis for a closed-loop bladder neuroprosthetic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Chew
- Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
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Bauer S, Bauer-Gogonea S, Graz I, Kaltenbrunner M, Keplinger C, Schwödiauer R. 25th anniversary article: A soft future: from robots and sensor skin to energy harvesters. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2014; 26:149-61. [PMID: 24307641 PMCID: PMC4240516 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201303349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Scientists are exploring elastic and soft forms of robots, electronic skin and energy harvesters, dreaming to mimic nature and to enable novel applications in wide fields, from consumer and mobile appliances to biomedical systems, sports and healthcare. All conceivable classes of materials with a wide range of mechanical, physical and chemical properties are employed, from liquids and gels to organic and inorganic solids. Functionalities never seen before are achieved. In this review we discuss soft robots which allow actuation with several degrees of freedom. We show that different actuation mechanisms lead to similar actuators, capable of complex and smooth movements in 3d space. We introduce latest research examples in sensor skin development and discuss ultraflexible electronic circuits, light emitting diodes and solar cells as examples. Additional functionalities of sensor skin, such as visual sensors inspired by animal eyes, camouflage, self-cleaning and healing and on-skin energy storage and generation are briefly reviewed. Finally, we discuss a paradigm change in energy harvesting, away from hard energy generators to soft ones based on dielectric elastomers. Such systems are shown to work with high energy of conversion, making them potentially interesting for harvesting mechanical energy from human gait, winds and ocean waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siegfried Bauer
- Soft Matter Physics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenbergerstrasse 69, 4040, Linz, Austria
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Romero-Ortega M. Peripheral Nerve Interface, Regenerative. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE 2014:1-4. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-7320-6_212-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Minev IR, Moshayedi P, Fawcett JW, Lacour SP. Interaction of glia with a compliant, microstructured silicone surface. Acta Biomater 2013; 9:6936-42. [PMID: 23499849 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2013.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Revised: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Soft bioengineered surfaces offer a route towards modulating the tissue responses to chronically implanted devices and may enhance their functionality. In this communication we fabricate microtopographically rich and mechanically compliant silicone surfaces for use in soft neural interfaces. We observe the interaction of primary rat microglia and astroglia with arrays of tall and short (4.7 and 0.5μm) vertically oriented polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micropillars and a flat PDMS surface in vitro. With the pillar size and spacing that we use (1.3μm diameter and 1.6μm edge to edge), glia are found to engulf and bend tall pillars. The cytoskeleton of cells adhering to the pillar arrays lacks actin stress fibers; instead we observe actin ring formations around individual pillars. Tall, but not short pillar arrays are inhibitory to migration and spreading for both microglia and astrocytes. When compared to a flat PDMS surface and short pillar arrays, tall micropillar arrays cause nearly a 2-fold decrease in proliferation rates for both cell types. The antimitotic properties of tall pillar arrays may be useful for reducing the density of the glial capsule around brain-implanted devices.
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Ware T, Simon D, Hearon K, Liu C, Shah S, Reeder J, Khodaparast N, Kilgard MP, Maitland DJ, Rennaker RL, Voit WE. Three-Dimensional Flexible Electronics Enabled by Shape Memory Polymer Substrates for Responsive Neural Interfaces. MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING 2012; 297:1193-1202. [PMID: 25530708 PMCID: PMC4268152 DOI: 10.1002/mame.201200241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Planar electronics processing methods have enabled neural interfaces to become more precise and deliver more information. However, this processing paradigm is inherently 2D and rigid. The resulting mechanical and geometrical mismatch at the biotic-abiotic interface can elicit an immune response that prevents effective stimulation. In this work, a thiol-ene/acrylate shape memory polymer is utilized to create 3D softening substrates for stimulation electrodes. This substrate system is shown to soften in vivo from more than 600 to 6 MPa. A nerve cuff electrode that coils around the vagus nerve in a rat and that drives neural activity is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Ware
- Assistant Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Mailstop RL10, 800 West Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Dustin Simon
- Assistant Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Mailstop RL10, 800 West Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Keith Hearon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Clive Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Mailstop RL10, 800 West Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Sagar Shah
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, The University of Texas at Dallas, Mailstop RL10, 800 West Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Jonathan Reeder
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Mailstop RL10, 800 West Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Navid Khodaparast
- Department of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Mailstop RL10, 800 West Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- Department of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Mailstop RL10, 800 West Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Duncan J Maitland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Mailstop RL10, 800 West Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Walter E Voit
- Assistant Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Mailstop RL10, 800 West Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080, USA
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Ortiz-Catalan M, Brånemark R, Håkansson B, Delbeke J. On the viability of implantable electrodes for the natural control of artificial limbs: review and discussion. Biomed Eng Online 2012; 11:33. [PMID: 22715940 PMCID: PMC3438028 DOI: 10.1186/1475-925x-11-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The control of robotic prostheses based on pattern recognition algorithms is a widely studied subject that has shown promising results in acute experiments. The long-term implementation of this technology, however, has not yet been achieved due to practical issues that can be mainly attributed to the use of surface electrodes and their highly environmental dependency. This paper describes several implantable electrodes and discusses them as a solution for the natural control of artificial limbs. In this context "natural" is defined as producing control over limb movement analogous to that of an intact physiological system. This includes coordinated and simultaneous movements of different degrees of freedom. It also implies that the input signals must come from nerves or muscles that were originally meant to produce the intended movement and that feedback is perceived as originating in the missing limb without requiring burdensome levels of concentration. After scrutinizing different electrode designs and their clinical implementation, we concluded that the epimysial and cuff electrodes are currently promising candidates to achieving a long-term stable and natural control of robotic prosthetics, provided that communication from the electrodes to the outside of the body is guaranteed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Ortiz-Catalan
- Department of Signals and Systems, Biomedical Engineering Division, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
- Centre of Orthopaedic Osseointegration, Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Rickard Brånemark
- Centre of Orthopaedic Osseointegration, Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Bo Håkansson
- Department of Signals and Systems, Biomedical Engineering Division, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Jean Delbeke
- School of Medicine (MD), Institute of Neuroscience (SSS/IoNS/COSY), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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