METHODS: In this work, we propose a microfabricated multi-channel silicone-based soft cuff electrode with a novel easy-to-implant and size-adaptable design and evaluate a number of essential features such as nerve-cuff contact, nerve compression, cuff locking stability, long-term integration and stimulation selectivity. We also compared performance to that of standard fixed-size cuffs.
RESULTS: The belt-like cuff made of 150 μm thick silicone membranes provides a stable and pressure-free conformal contact, independently of nerve size variability, combined with a straightforward implantation procedure. The adaptable design and use of soft materials lead to limited scarring and demyelination after 6-week implantation. In addition, multi-contact designs, ranging from 6 to 16 electrodes, allow for selective stimulation in models of rat and pig sciatic nerve, achieving targeted activation of up to 5 hindlimb muscles.
CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a promising alternative to classic fixed-diameter cuffs and may facilitate the adoption of soft, adaptable cuffs in clinical settings.
方法:在这项工作中,我们提出了一种微制造的多通道基于硅胶的软袖带电极,具有新颖的易于植入和尺寸适应性设计,并评估了许多基本特征,如神经袖带接触,神经压迫,袖带锁定稳定性,长期整合和刺激选择性。我们还将性能与标准固定尺寸袖口进行了比较。
结果:由150μm厚的硅胶膜制成的带状袖口提供了稳定且无压力的保形接触,与神经大小变异性无关,结合一个简单的植入程序。柔性材料的适应性设计和使用导致6周植入后有限的疤痕和脱髓鞘。此外,多触点设计,范围从6到16个电极,允许在大鼠和猪坐骨神经模型中进行选择性刺激,实现多达5个后肢肌肉的有针对性的激活。
结论:这些结果表明了经典固定直径袖口的有希望的替代品,并且可能有助于采用柔软,临床环境中的适应性袖口。