Description:
The ability to record and stimulate neural activity with implanted microelectrode arrays has been limited by the problems of insertion trauma and foreign body response, which can lead to neuron damage and reduced reliability of results. Minimizing such tissue responses is necessary to develop implantable interfaces for studying neural activity and even treating chronic diseases.
The Neurocase provides a stable intraneural interface that allows for minimally-damaging insertion of ultramicroelectrode dimensioned electrode arrays (UMEAs) into small peripheral nerves for recording or stimulating neural activity. This small, low mass device serves as a guide for the precise insertion and subsequent locational stability of the UMEA electrode shanks – which are prevented from moving within the nerve. All of these features come together to minimize both insertion trauma and the subsequent foreign body response that have previously limited the development of reliable intraneural interfaces.
Technical Summary:
The Neurocase provides several features to guide the implantation process, by both improving precision and stabilizing the intraneural interface. Initially, the nerve is placed in the device, stabilizing the nerve’s position with respect to the electrode shanks & enabling a highly-precise implantation. To prevent buckling during insertion, the movement of the electrode shanks is constrained to one plane. Further locational stability of the UMEA is achieved by preventing inadvertent retraction during implantation and ensure that they remain at the desired depth within the nerve.
Beyond serving as an assistive device, the Neurocase implements several features that minimize insertion damage and promote long-term stability of the intraneural interface. The advantage of the ultramicroelectrode dimension is that such electrodes minimize or avoid the foreign body response that is detrimental to the neural recording or stimulation performance of the electrode array. Once inserted, the electrode shanks are prevented from moving within the nerve, reducing movement-related exacerbation of any foreign body response to the implanted UMEA. Multiple, stacked UMEA structures may be used inside the Neurocase to better access the neural organization within the nerve.
Value Proposition:
With a variety of features that guide and stabilize the implantation process, the Neurocase supports precise insertion of minimally-damaging UMEAs into small peripheral nerves for neural recording and stimulation. The locational stability provided by the Neurocase reduces movement-related exacerbation of any foreign body response, thereby enhancing long-term reliability of such interfaces and enabling development of permanently-implanted intraneural devices.
Applications:
- Biosensor Devices
- Neural Recording and Stimulation Platforms
- Bioelectronic Medicine
Key Benefits:
- Precise - Enables precise insertion of UMEA; prevents unintended movement of inserted UMEA; allows electrode’s position to be secured inside the nerve
- Stabilizing – Stabilizes the nerve with respect to the electrode shanks; maintains appropriate depth of insertion
- Reliable – Improves the neural recording and stimulation performance of the electrode array by reducing any movement-related foreign body response
- Minimizes Injury – Neurocase is small & low mass, minimizing nerve damage during insertion; ultramicroelectrode dimension minimizes or avoids the foreign body response
Publication: Poster presentation at the Neuroelectronic Interfaces Gordon Research Conference on March 25, 2018.
IP Status: Patent pending.
Licensing Opportunity: This technology is available for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing.
ID Number: 18030
Contact: otc@utdallas.edu