Neural probe array and method of use

US8452418B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• William C. Tang · Irvine, US
• James Fallon · Irvine, US
• William Bunney · Recklinghausen, DE
• Ryan Langan · Cypress, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 20, 2011
• Grant date: May 28, 2013
• Expiry date: Jun 27, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N1/3756
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A neural probe device includes a housing configured to receive a nerve fiber of a subject and an anchor disposed within the housing and configured to fix the nerve fiber relative to the housing. The device further includes a plurality of actuatable, moveable electrodes disposed in the housing along a length of the nerve fiber, each moveable electrode comprising a plurality of projections containing one or more electrodes thereon, wherein actuation of the moveable electrode causes the moveable electrode to move generally transverse to a long axis of the nerve fiber and penetrate the nerve fiber with the plurality of projections. The device is also optionally configured to inject a growth factor into the nerve fiber to maintain the viability of the nerve fiber.