A Microneedle Array System for Transcutaneous Nerve Mapping

描述(申请人提供)：这项拟议的研究结合了新的电子学和微制造技术，创建了一个非侵入性的研究平台，用于对人类周围神经进行定向刺激和表征。这项第二阶段的提案涉及高分辨率周围神经接口的两项重大发展。AIM 1将开发高分辨率和低噪音的皮肤表面电极阵列。阵列内的每个电极将由具有成本效益的微图案针组成，通过无痛地刺穿皮肤的最顶层来显著降低电极阻抗，从而在不牺牲信噪比的情况下提供高空间分辨率。AIM 2将开发微型刺激和记录电子设备，以恢复传统上被刺激伪像掩盖的信号。恢复的数据，再加上同时与数十个皮肤表面电极相互作用的能力，将允许对周围神经进行非侵入性标测、表征和控制。除了减少监测和操作周围神经所需的复杂性、痛苦和培训外，该平台还将允许在疾病诊断、表面肌电图术、神经假体、术中监测和治疗刺激方面继续创新。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The proposed study combines novel electronics and microfabrication techniques to create a non-invasive, research platform for targeted stimulation and characterization of human peripheral nerves. This Phase II proposal involves two significant developments for high-resolution peripheral nerve interfacing. Aim 1 will develop high-resolution and low-noise skin surface electrode arrays. Each electrode within the array will consist of cost-effective micropatterned needles, which significantly decrease electrode impedance by pain- lessly piercing the topmost layer of skin, thereby providing high spatial resolution without sacrificing signal- to-noise ratio. Aim 2 will develop miniaturized stimulation and recording electronics to recover signals tra- ditionally obscured by stimulation artifacts. The recovered data, combined with the ability to simultaneously interact with dozens of skin-surface electrodes, will allow non-invasive mapping, characterization, and con- trol of peripheral nerves. In addition to reducing the complexity, pain, and training required to monitor and manipulate peripheral nerves, this platform will allow for continued innovation in disease diagnostics, sur- face electromyography, neural prosthetics, intraoperative monitoring, and therapeutic stimulation.