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Updated: Mar 10, 2026
Fabrication of High Contact-Density, Flat-Interface Nerve Electrodes for Recording and Stimulation Applications
Published on: October 4, 2016
Mapping of Small Nerve Trunks and Branches Using Adaptive Flexible Electrodes
Zhuolin Xiang1, Swathi Sheshadri2, Sang-Hoon Lee1
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering National University of Singapore 4 Engineering Drive 3 Singapore 117583 Singapore; Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SiNAPSE) National University of Singapore 28 Medical Drive, #05-COR Singapore 117456 Singapore; Center for Intelligent Sensors and MEMS National University of Singapore 4 Engineering Drive 3 Singapore 117576 Singapore.
This study demonstrates precise sciatic nerve stimulation using split-ring electrodes for effective muscle response monitoring. High-precision electrode implantation enhances efficacy and minimizes side effects in neural stimulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Peripheral nerve stimulation is crucial for various therapeutic applications.
- Optimizing electrode design and implantation is key to improving stimulation efficacy and safety.
- Current methods face challenges in achieving precise neural targeting and minimizing off-target effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel split-ring electrode for selective sciatic nerve stimulation.
- To assess the efficacy of high-precision electrode implantation in neural stimulation.
- To investigate the impact of electrode placement on muscle response and side effects.
Main Methods:
- Selective sciatic nerve stimulation using a split-ring electrode with varied contact pairs.
- Simultaneous neural recordings from three sciatic nerve branches using neural ribbon electrodes.
- Electromyography recordings from muscles using implanted hook electrodes to monitor responses.
Main Results:
- The split-ring electrode enabled selective stimulation of the sciatic nerve.
- High-precision implantation of electrodes significantly increased stimulation efficacy.
- Reduced incidence of unintended side effects was observed with precise electrode placement.
Conclusions:
- High-precision electrode implantation is critical for effective and safe peripheral nerve stimulation.
- The split-ring electrode design offers a promising approach for targeted neural activation.
- This technique has the potential to improve outcomes in neuroprosthetics and neuromodulation therapies.
