Neuro-micro-Transponders for a minimally-invasive peripheral nerve interface

描述（由申请人提供）：microtranssponder, Inc.的技术组合包括新型无线微系统，这些系统正在开发中，作为用于生物医学应用的微创微植入物平台。该计划将确定我们的微转发器技术在周围神经界面应用的可行性，以及作为与感觉/运动纤维的神经内界面的可行性。我们的核心发明是基于广泛应用于商业“射频识别设备”（rfid）的成熟无线技术，其优雅的简单性是极端小型化的理想选择。我们的“神经微转发器”（NeuTs）在每次检测到神经峰值时，都将神经接口微电子学与基本的RFID识别代码结合起来。该计划旨在测试各种微型应答器在大鼠后肢长期植入过程中的无线性能。这些方法将用于测试一种创新系统，该系统旨在使植入人体深层组织的微型应答器有效运行，远远超出这种无线技术的限制。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The MicroTransponder, Inc. technology portfolio consists of novel wireless micro- systems that are being developed as platforms for minimally invasive micro-implants for a host of biomedical applications. This plan will establish the feasibility of our micro- transponder technology for peripheral nerve interface applications in general and as an intra-neural interface with sensory/motor fibers in general. Our core invention is based on the proven wireless technology widely employed in commercial "Radio Frequency Identification Devices" (RFIDs) whose elegant simplicity is ideal for extreme miniaturization. Our "Neuro-Micro-Transponders" (NeuTs) simply combine neural interface micro-electronics with the basic RFID identification code every time a neural spike is detected. This plan is designed to test the wireless performance of a variety of micro-transponder sizes over the course of long-term implantation within the hind limb of rats. These methods will be employed to test an innovative system designed to enable effective operation of micro-transponders implanted into deep body tissues, far beyond the limits of this wireless technology. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This project will develop minimally invasive implants to interface with peripheral nerves for a variety of biomedical applications. In particular, intra-neural implants with specialized electrodes to interface with the sensory and motor fibers remaining in amputated peripheral nerves will be employed for neuroprosthesis with artificial limbs capable of natural sensation and movement. In addition, larger implants will be developed for extra-neural applications, especially for the treatment of painful neuropathy by stimulation with a multitude of micro-transponder implants injected throughout the subcutaneous terminal fields of diseased sensory nerves.