Neural interfacing device
Inventors
Butera, Robert J. • Patel, Yogi A. • Ross, James D. • Rajaraman, Swaminathan • Clements, Isaac
Assignees
Georgia Tech Research Corp • Biocircuit Technologies Inc
Publication Number
US-10959631-B2
Publication Date
2021-03-30
Expiration Date
2035-02-02
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Abstract
A neural interfacing device is disclosed. The neural interfacing device may include at least one microneedle electrode. The microneedle electrode may have one or more microneedles. The one or more microneedles may be shaped and positioned such that when the neural interfacing device is applied to a nerve, the one or more microneedles penetrate a nerve epineurium without any portion of the microneedle electrode penetrating any nerve axon beyond a depth of 500 micrometers.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a neural interfacing device featuring at least one microneedle electrode, where each microneedle is dimensioned and positioned to penetrate the epineurium of a nerve but does not penetrate any nerve axon beyond a depth of 500 micrometers. Various configurations of the microneedle electrodes are described, including bipolar, tri-polar, and multi-channel arrays, all intended to interact with nerves while minimizing invasiveness.
The device is adapted for both recording neural activity and stimulating nerves, with microneedle arrays able to maximize stimulation or inhibition while reducing the delivered charge. Unlike previous extraneural and intraneural interfaces, which either require high current due to impedance from tissue layers or are highly invasive to the nerve structure, this invention aims to provide a stable interface that anchors to the nerve epineurium and maintains reliable contact, thus improving recording fidelity and reducing power requirements.
The problem addressed by the invention is the challenge of minimizing the current or voltage required for effective neural stimulation and achieving high-fidelity signal recording while avoiding the invasiveness and instability of existing interfaces. The present device balances minimal invasiveness with improved electrical performance and mechanical stability, offering potential advantages over conventional neural electrodes.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims in the patent: one covering the structure of the extraneural interfacing device, and one covering a method of gathering information on nerve activity. The main inventive features are extracted below.
Extraneural interfacing device with three-dimensional microneedle electrode
A device comprising: - A microneedle electrode with a plurality of microneedles arranged on a conductive base. - The conductive base includes a plurality of voids, each forming a zigzag shape that surrounds at least one row of microneedles. - Each row of microneedles is bent outward from the conductive base to create a three-dimensional structure. - Each microneedle is shaped and positioned so that, when the device is applied to a nerve, it penetrates the nerve epineurium without any part of the microneedle electrode penetrating any nerve axon beyond a depth of 500 micrometers. - The microneedle electrode is configured as a single channel for applying stimulus or receiving data.
Method of gathering information on nerve activity using microneedle electrode
A method comprising these steps: 1. Accessing a nerve or bundle of nerves. 2. Placing a microneedle electrode (having a plurality of microneedles) in contact with a target location so that each microneedle penetrates the nerve epineurium but does not penetrate any nerve axon beyond a depth of 500 micrometers. 3. Placing the electrode in communication with stimulating electronics. 4. Stimulating the nerve or nerves. 5. Recording the electrical activity of the nerve(s) as a result of said stimulation. The microneedle electrode used features a conductive base with a plurality of voids forming a zigzag shape around at least one row of microneedles, with the row bent outward to create a three-dimensional structure. The electrode is configured as a single channel for applying stimulus or receiving data.
In summary, the inventive features cover both the structural arrangement of a three-dimensional microneedle electrode for extraneural interfacing and the specific method of using such an electrode to stimulate and record from nerves while limiting invasiveness.
Stated Advantages
Reduces the amount of electrical charge or current required for nerve stimulation compared to conventional electrodes.
Increases the fidelity and signal-to-noise ratio of nerve recordings over conventional electrodes.
Provides mechanical stability by anchoring the electrode to the nerve, reducing or eliminating device movement relative to the nerve.
Minimally invasive by limiting penetration depth into nerve axons.
May increase device and battery longevity due to reduced current requirements.
May lower risk of nerve damage over time.
Documented Applications
Electrically stimulating nerves and recording electrical activity of nerves, including peripheral, cranial, optic, spinal, autonomic nerves, nerve ganglia, and plexuses.
Applying to standalone nerves using a cuff or to tightly packed bundles of nerves using a planar base.
Use in both acute and chronic settings for neural interfacing.
Potential use in regeneration of severed or damaged nerves by anchoring and facilitating nerve repair through external stimulation.
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