Fatigue test of helical nervous electrodes and weak point analysis of helical nervous electrodes design

Due to the increasing number of both implantation and removal of the helical nervous electrodes, the safety and the reliability of the electrode becomes an important issue in its clinical application-particularly its fatigue failure caused by body movement. Utilizing fatigue testing, we evaluated the weak points of the helical electrode. Our data analysis for fatigue cycles recorded by the fatigue test equipment showed that the adhesive strength between the silicone and suture, and the load of the electrode were essential for the mechanical durability of the electrode. The locations of the weak points and improvements for helical electrode design were given. The suggestions of decreasing damages to the nerves in clinical use will be helpful to the surgeons.