Array of microelectrodes for interfacing to neurons within fascicles
US9662229B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 2016 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2560/0223
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.