Novel High Density Interconnects for Flexible Neural Prostheses

描述（由申请人提供）：该项目提出了柔性多接触神经袖电极的开发，该电极具有嵌入式集成电路（IC），通过新颖的高密度互连和先进的生物相容性封装方案进行电连接。所提出的微制造聚酰亚胺/硅杂化袖口电极阵列将提供选择性刺激和记录复合周围神经的能力。创新的制造工艺将目前的劳动密集型手工工艺推进到批量微制造，从而增加了电极接触的密度和精度。创新的混合结构产生了高度柔性的电极，新型板载IC和互连减少了与故障和神经损伤相关的引线数量。我们将演示该装置用于膀胱功能闭环控制的实用性-包括自制和排空。除了对原型设备进行广泛的体外测试外，有源设备将被植入动物模型（即猫）中，用于对包装方案的功能、生物相容性和介电完整性进行急性和慢性体内测试。这项工作将与杜克大学的Warren Grill教授合作完成。该技术也适用于周围神经系统其他领域的神经假体，包括刺激周围运动神经使瘫痪肢体恢复活力，刺激舌下神经治疗阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停，刺激迷走神经治疗癫痫、抑郁症和心力衰竭。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This project proposes the development of flexible multiple contact nerve cuff electrodes with an embedded integrated circuit (IC) electrically connected via a novel high density interconnect and advanced biocompatible packaging scheme. The proposed microfabricated polyimide/silicone hybrid cuff electrode arrays will provide capabilities for both selective stimulation and recording from compound peripheral nerves. The innovative fabrication process advances what is currently a labor-intensive manual process to batch microfabrication, and thereby allows an increase in the density and precision of electrode contacts. The innovative hybrid structure results in a highly flexible electrode, and the novel on-board IC and interconnects reduce the required number of lead wires, which are associated with failure and neural injury. We will demonstrate the utility of the device for closed-loop control of bladder function - including continence and emptying. In addition to extensive in vitro testing of prototype devices, active devices will be implanted into an animal model (i.e. cat) for acute and chronic in vivo testing of functionality, biocompatibility, and dielectric integrity of the packaging scheme. This work will be completed in collaboration with Prof. Warren Grill of Duke University. This technology is also applicable to neural prostheses in other areas of the peripheral nervous system, including peripheral motor nerve stimulation for re-animation of paralyzed limbs, hypoglossal nerve stimulation to treat obstructive sleep apnea, and vagus nerve stimulation for treatment of epilepsy, depression, and heart failure. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The integrated neural interface system proposed in this project will enable inclusion of a tightly coupled IC as part of a biocompatible, implantable flexible device, providing high bandwidth information exchange between neural interfaces and the IC. This capability is a vital requirement for fully-implantable, closed-loop biological- machine interface systems to restore motor and sensory function to people afflicted with irreversible nerve damage from injury, stroke, or neurodegenerative diseases. The technology being developed is directly applicable to a broad range of neural interface devices including advanced prosthetic limbs, visual prostheses, and systems for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, epilepsy, depression, and heart failure.