Optimization & Pre-clinical Testing of Implantable, In-Line High Density 32-Channel Connector

这项建议的目的是优化设计和材料，并执行 下一代微型、高密度多通道的必要临床前测试 适用于患者体内慢性植入的连接器。这些‘HD连接器’将是 例如，用于治疗周围神经系统疾病的系统的一部分。 可以用这种方法治疗的疾病是行走问题，如中风后，以及 在截肢后恢复幻肢的自然感觉，等等。 在这项研究中，我们将使用定制的微型制造、实心填充的连接器主体来 促进长效神经接口内部和之间的互连。自定义 与Pilot共同开发的微型连接器的封装和组装方法 资金，将得到优化。根据这项提议，我们将制造新的高清连接器的变种 与现有的微神经刺激器设计相匹配。我们还将评估长期的 通过台式实验和生物稳定性实验研究这些连接器的生物相容性和生物稳定性 动物外科试验。收集到的数据将有助于我们向FDA申请 采用这种HD连接器技术的医疗设备的后续临床研究。 建议的努力与退伍军人管理局的病人护理任务之间的关系是 这些改进预计将增加组件的互换性 用于康复的植入式神经刺激系统，具有高通道数。这将是 提高正在开发的新设备的安全性和互操作性，例如可植入设备 用于恢复截肢的自然感觉的行走辅助设备和装置。

The aim of this proposal is to optimize the design and materials and to perform necessary pre-clinical testing of next-generation miniature, high-density multi-channel connectors suitable for chronic implantation in a patient's body. These `HD Connectors' will be part of systems that are used, for example, to treat disorders of the peripheral nervous system. Maladies that could be treated in this way are problems with walking, such as after a stroke, and restoring natural sensations in a phantom limb after amputation, among other examples. In this study, we will use custom-microfabricated, solid-filled connector bodies to facilitate interconnections within and among long-lasting neural interfaces. Custom encapsulation and assembly methods for the miniature connectors, developed with pilot funding, will be optimized. Under this proposal, we will fabricate variants of new HD connectors for mating with existing micro-neurostimulator designs. We will also evaluate the long-term biocompatibility and bio-stability of these connectors through both benchtop experiments and animal surgical trials. The data collected will then facilitate our application to the FDA to do follow-on clinical studies of medical devices incorporating this HD connector technology. The relationship between the proposed effort and the patient care mission of the VA is that these improvements are expected to increase the interchangeability of components of implantable neurostimulation systems for rehabilitation that have high channel counts. This will improve the safety and inter-operability of new devices under development, such as implantable walking aids and devices for restoring natural sensation in amputated limbs.