Neural Implants Without Electronics: A Proof-of-Concept Study on a Human Skin Model
<italic>Objective:</italic> Chronic neural implants require energy and signal supply. The objective of this work was to evaluate a multichannel transcutaneous coupling approach in an <italic>ex vivo</italic> split-concept study, which minimizes the invasiveness of such an imp...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
IEEE
2020-01-01
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| Series: | IEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9037282/ |
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| Summary: | <italic>Objective:</italic> Chronic neural implants require energy and signal supply. The objective of this work was to evaluate a multichannel transcutaneous coupling approach in an <italic>ex vivo</italic> split-concept study, which minimizes the invasiveness of such an implant by externalizing the processing electronics. <italic>Methods:</italic> Herein, the experimental work focused on the transcutaneous energy and signal transmission. The performance was discussed with widely evaluated concepts of neural interfaces in the literature. <italic>Results:</italic> The performance of the transcutaneous coupling approach increased with higher channel count and higher electrode pitches. Electrical crosstalk among channels was present, but acceptable for the stimulation of peripheral nerves. <italic>Conclusions:</italic> Transcutaneous coupling with extracorporeal transmitting arrays and subcutaneous counterparts provide a promising alternative to the inductive concept particularly when a fully integration of the system in a prosthetic shaft is intended. The relocation of the electronics can potentially prevent pressure sores, improve accessibility for maintenance and increase lifetime of the implant. |
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| ISSN: | 2644-1276 |