Wireless, implantable neural interface technologies

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Neural interfaces (NIs) are devices that interface with the peripheral or central nervous system, for example the brain, peripheral nerves, or the spinal cord, and detect, record and/or stimulate neural activity to restore function lost to neural injury or disease. For example, we have been developing the technique of intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) for restoring standing and walking and have successfully restored standing and walking function in the cat model for walking. However, NPs require large amounts of data processing; neural activity must be detected, recorded and processed; predictions of body position, joint trajectories, and muscular forces are calculated; then numerous, complex signals are sent back to the brain, nerves, and/or spinal cord. All of this must happen in fractions of a second to generate smooth, natural walking, for example. Current technology is not practical for real-world NI/NP applications; processing is supplied by large units that are tethered to the subject by cables and wires. For NIs and NPs to become usable, data processing and communication technologies must be developed that have ultra-low power requirements, and are of the microelectronic scale so as to be suitable for implantation. Such technologies are not currently available.