A fully implanted intramuscular bipolar myoelectric signal recording electrode

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroprosthetics
• Implantable Devices

Background:

• Existing myoelectric signal (MES) electrodes have limitations for long-term implantation.
• Functional electrical stimulation (FES) and prosthetic control require reliable, implanted signal recording.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a fully implanted, intramuscular, bipolar myoelectric signal (IM-MES) recording electrode.
• To enable applications in FES, prosthetic myoelectric control, and other permanently implantable systems.

Main Methods:

• Modified an existing fully implanted intramuscular stimulating electrode for bipolar recording.
• Adapted the implantation method for the novel electrode design.
• Conducted mechanical and in vivo testing of the modified electrode components.
• Described the first clinical application of the IM-MES electrode.

Main Results:

• Electrode modifications avoided excess mechanical strain.
• In vivo testing demonstrated myoelectric signal recording equivalent to epimysial MES electrodes.
• The modified implantation method proved simple and effective.
• The IM-MES electrode successfully provided command signals for an upper extremity FES system in a spinal cord injury patient.

Conclusions:

• A fully implanted, bipolar intramuscular recording electrode (IM-MES) has been successfully developed.
• The IM-MES electrode offers straightforward implantation targeting various muscles.
• Demonstrated suitability for clinical use with successful initial applications.