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The effect of chronic intracortical microstimulation on the electrode-tissue interface
Kevin H Chen1, John F Dammann, Jessica L Boback
1Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
Journal of Neural Engineering
|February 8, 2014
Summary
Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) shows long-term stability for prosthetic sensory feedback. Chronic ICMS in non-human primates demonstrated minimal impact on electrode-tissue interfaces and no motor control deficits, supporting its use in neuroprosthetics.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Somatosensation is crucial for object manipulation, yet current upper limb prostheses lack this feedback.
- Lack of sensory feedback in prosthetics increases user cognitive load and effort.
- Existing sensory substitution devices offer limited feedback; direct neural interfaces are needed for intuitive sensation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) on the electrode-tissue interface.
- To assess the reliability of chronically implanted electrodes for delivering neural feedback.
- To evaluate the impact of chronic ICMS on motor control in a primate model.
Main Methods:
- Chronic ICMS was applied to the somatosensory cortex of three Rhesus macaques for 6 months (4 h/day).
- Electrode impedance and voltage excursion were measured over time under varying ICMS parameters.
- Sensorimotor function was assessed by observing the animals' ability to grasp and manipulate treats.
Main Results:
- Electrode impedance and voltage excursion decayed over time but stabilized after 10-12 weeks.
- The extent of decay correlated with ICMS amplitude and pulse train duration.
- Chronic ICMS did not result in any observable deficits in fine motor control.
Conclusions:
- Chronic ICMS exhibits minor effects on the electrode-tissue interface, indicating long-term stability.
- The findings suggest ICMS is a viable method for delivering sensory feedback in neuroprosthetic applications.
- This research supports the development of more intuitive and effective prosthetic limbs.
