Neural engineering--a new discipline for analyzing and interacting with the nervous system

Area of Science:

• Neural engineering research bridges neuroscience and engineering.
• It encompasses diverse areas including neural interfacing, neuroelectronics, and neural prosthetics.

Background:

• Neural engineering aims to create selective interfaces for the peripheral nervous system.
• Current methods involve nerve cuff electrodes to enhance nerve shape for better electrode placement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the selectivity of a novel flat interface nerve electrode (FINE).
• To assess FINE's efficacy in peripheral nerve interfacing.

Main Methods:

• The FINE was applied to the hypoglossal and sciatic nerves in canine and feline subjects.
• This involved reshaping the nerve to increase circumference-to-cross-sectional ratio for improved electrode contact.

Main Results:

• The FINE demonstrated high stimulation selectivity by recording from individual fascicles.
• Recording selectivity was achieved, with blind source algorithms used for signal recovery.
• Electrode arrays along the nerve allowed for reversed recruitment order, exciting small fibers before large ones.

Conclusions:

• The oblong or flat shape of nerves allows for a novel, selective peripheral nerve interface design.
• This FINE technology has potential applications in treating disorders such as bladder incontinence, obstructive sleep apnea, and stroke.