An implantable ENG detector with in-system velocity selective recording (VSR) capability

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Implantable Electronic Devices

Background:

• Electroneurogram (ENG) signal detection is crucial for peripheral nervous system monitoring.
• Current methods often lack the ability to selectively record ENG signals based on nerve conduction velocity.
• Implantable systems require efficient data transmission and low power consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the first implantable velocity selective recording (VSR)-based ENG system.
• To enable wireless recording of naturally evoked ENG signals.
• To develop a system with a low data rate transcutaneous link for external interfacing.

Main Methods:

• Development of a VSR-based ENG recording system using two CMOS Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs).
• One ASIC placed near the multi-electrode cuff array (MEC) for signal acquisition.
• A second ASIC near the wireless link for signal processing and data rate reduction.

Main Results:

• The system successfully detects ENG signals with amplitudes as low as 0.5 μV, suitable for naturally evoked ENG.
• Demonstrated capability for recording electrically evoked ENG from explanted frog sciatic nerves.
• The novel architecture reduces the required data rate for wireless transmission.

Conclusions:

• The developed implantable VSR-based ENG system is a significant advancement for peripheral nerve monitoring.
• The system's sensitivity and wireless capabilities open new avenues for research and clinical applications.
• This technology facilitates the study of nerve signal propagation and potential therapeutic interventions.