In vivo localization of fascicular activity

Users of modern high degree of freedom prosthetics need to provide a large number of natural, intuitive command signals in order to realize the high level of dexterity these devices offer. This level of natural control is beginning to be seen with new technologies like Targeted Muscle Reinnervation; however several serious drawbacks still exist. Flat Interface Nerve Electrode recordings provide a safe and stable means to record natural, intuitive volitional command signals. We investigate the use of Antenna Array techniques to separate command signals from different sources based on their spatial distribution within the nerve. Through a Rabbit sciatic model, it is shown that the system is able to separate compound action potentials elicited from the Tibial and Peroneal branches using 16-channel recordings made on the main sciatic nerve trunk.