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Highly Flexible Silicone Coated Neural Array for Intracochlear Electrical Stimulation
P Bhatti1, J Van Beek-King2, A Sharpe3
1School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA ; Department of Rehabilitative Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Biomed Research International
|August 4, 2015
Summary
We developed a silicone coating method to stiffen polymer electrode arrays for better intracochlear electrical stimulation. This technique enhances surgical handling and protects neural tissue, improving auditory brainstem response thresholds.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Materials Science
Background:
- Thin-film polymer electrode arrays are used for intracochlear electrical stimulation.
- Tailoring array flexibility is crucial for effective neural interfacing and surgical insertion.
- Commercial arrays often require post-processing to meet specific application needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an effective method for modifying the flexibility of commercial thin-film polymer electrode arrays.
- To enhance the performance and safety of electrode arrays for intracochlear electrical stimulation.
- To improve surgical handling and neural tissue protection during implantation.
Main Methods:
- A pneumatically driven dispensing system was used to apply a silicone adhesive coating.
- The coating was applied to stiffen the underside of polyimide multisite arrays and protect neural tissue at the tip.
- Microcomputed tomography imaging was used to measure array placement relative to the cochlea's modiolus.
Main Results:
- An average silicone coating thickness of 232 ± 64 μm was achieved.
- An average intracochlear stimulating current threshold of 170 ± 93 μA was reported for evoking auditory brainstem responses in felines.
- Arrays were successfully inserted into the cochlea's basal turn, with microcomputed tomography confirming placement within 100–565 μm of the modiolus.
Conclusions:
- The described postprocessing method effectively tailors the flexibility of commercial polymer electrode arrays.
- The technique enhances array usability for intracochlear electrical stimulation, improving surgical handling and tissue protection.
- This straightforward 24-hour postprocessing step offers a practical solution for optimizing electrode array performance.
