Array of Microelectrodes for Interfacing to Neurons within Fascicles
a technology of fascicles and microelectrodes, applied in the field of nerve electrode arrays, can solve the problems of difficult interfacing with efferent and afferent axons, limited value of integrated measurement signals, and significant negative impact of limb amputation on amputees' lives, and achieve the effect of facilitating fine motor control
Inactive Publication Date: 2015-08-06
CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY
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Benefits of technology
The patent invention allows for better control and sensory feedback in prosthetic devices. It uses micro-channels that can hold nerves, along with associated electrodes that make contact with the nerves. The invention may create a two-dimensional array of micro-channels. This technology can improve the quality of life for users of prosthetic devices.
Problems solved by technology
Limb amputations can significantly negatively impact amputees' lives.
Interfacing with efferent and afferent axons is difficult, at least in part due to their small sizes.
Thus, the integrated measurement signal is of limited value for selectively driving a motor of a prosthetic device.
Method used
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Embodiment Construction
[0008]Embodiments of the present invention facilitate finer motor control in prosthetic devices, and more granular sensory feedback from prosthetic devices to central nervous systems, than is achievable in the prior art. Some embodiments provide sets of generally trench-shaped micro-channels, into which fascicles of a nerve may be placed, one fascicle per micro-channel. One or more lids may be placed over the micro-channels to close the micro-channels and secure the fascicles in the trenches. Each micro-channel has an associated set of micro-wire electrodes. In some embodiments, the electrodes extend down from the lid(s) into the trenches. In other embodiments, the electrodes extend up from the bottoms of the trenches. In either case, the electrodes penetrate the fascicles and make electrical contact with axons within the fascicles. Several rows of micro-channels may be stacked to create a two-dimensional array of micro-channels.
[0009]An embodiment of the present invention provides ...
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Methods and apparatus are disclosed for interfacing with nerve fibers, such as axons. Embodiments provide multiple micro-channels, into which individual fascicles of a nerve may be placed, one fascicle per micro-channel. Each micro-channel has an associated set of micro-wire electrodes that penetrate the fascicle in the micro-channel. The micro-wire electrodes are thinner than prior art photolithographed micro-electrode arrays. Consequently, more micro-wire electrodes may interface with a single fascicle, and each micro-wire electrode interfaces with fewer axons, than in the prior art. Multiple rows of micro-channels may be stacked to construct two-dimensional arrays of micro-channels. These embodiments thereby facilitate finer motor control in prosthetic devices, and more granular sensory feedback from prosthetic devices to central nervous systems, than is achievable in the prior art.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 936,541, filed Feb. 6, 2014, titled “Array of Microelectrodes for Interfacing to Neurons within Fascicles,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to nerve electrode arrays and, more particularly, to nerve electrode arrays that define micro-channels, each micro-channel including a plurality of micro-wire electrodes.BACKGROUND ART[0003]Limb amputations can significantly negatively impact amputees' lives. Fortunately, prosthetic devices can partially compensate for loss of limb structure (bone, skin, etc.) and actuation (muscle). An ideal, albeit not yet developed, prosthetic device would include a separate motor for each lost muscle or degree of limb freedom, and each such motor would be driven by a discrete signal from the amputee's nervous system. Similarl...
Claims
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IPC IPC(8): A61F2/72A61N1/05
CPCA61F2/72A61N1/0551A61F2002/6827A61B5/6877A61N1/08A61F2002/482A61B5/04001A61N1/0558A61B2560/0223A61F2/5044A61B5/24
Inventor ACHYUTA, ANILKUMAR H.MCLAUGHLIN, BRYAN
Owner CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY