Evaluating Microelectrode Arrays in Peripheral Nerve Using Micro Computed Tomography^.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Imaging of implanted neural devices is advancing, but visualizing entire nerves and individual microelectrodes remains challenging.
• Few imaging modalities effectively show both whole devices in vivo and microelectrodes within nerve tissue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Wireless Floating Microelectrode Arrays (WMFAs) implanted in rat sciatic nerves using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).
• To assess the capability of micro-CT for visualizing both whole devices and individual microelectrodes in situ and ex vivo.

Main Methods:

• Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was employed to examine WFMAs implanted in rat sciatic nerves.
• The study assessed whole devices in vivo and individual electrodes within whole nerve samples.
• Evoked limb motion (plantar flexion and dorsiflexion) was tracked and correlated with micro-CT visualized electrode positions.

Main Results:

• Micro-CT imaging provided valuable assessments of WFMAs implanted in peripheral nerves.
• The technique allowed visualization of both whole devices in vivo and individual electrodes in whole nerve tissue.
• Electrode locations within the sciatic nerve's fascicular structure were successfully visualized and correlated with functional data.

Conclusions:

• Micro-CT is a powerful tool for evaluating neural microelectrode arrays in peripheral nerves.
• This imaging modality enables correlation between neural device performance and the physical characteristics of the implantation site.
• The findings support the clinical relevance of micro-CT for understanding neural implant performance and placement.