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Feasibility of a Wireless Implantable Multi-electrode System for High-bandwidth Prosthetic Interfacing: Animal and
Clemens Gstoettner1, Christopher Festin1, Cosima Prahm1,2
1Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|February 24, 2022
Summary
The Myoelectric Implantable Recording Array (MIRA) is a novel, fully implantable device for upper limb amputees, offering high-bandwidth neuromuscular interfacing. Animal and cadaver studies show MIRA is biocompatible and feasible for all amputation levels, promising improved prosthetic control.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroprosthetics
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Current upper extremity prosthetics have limited functionality due to low neuromuscular interface information transfer rates.
- Existing interfaces fail to translate surgical potential into effective prosthetic control.
- There is a need for stable, high-information, implantable solutions for all levels of limb loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the biocompatibility, functionality, and implantation feasibility of the novel Myoelectric Implantable Recording Array (MIRA).
- Establish foundational data for the clinical application of MIRA in prosthetic interfacing.
Main Methods:
- Assessed MIRA biocompatibility via intramuscular EMG lead implantation in rabbits over 3 months.
- Evaluated chronic functionality in large animals (dogs, sheep) with MIRA implantation for 5-6 months, monitoring EMG signals.
- Determined implantation feasibility across all major upper limb amputation levels using human cadaver test surgeries.
Main Results:
- Rabbit studies showed favorable biocompatibility with low-grade tissue response, comparable to inert controls.
- Large animal studies demonstrated stable telemetric communication and EMG signal quality (SNR 22.2 dB) in most subjects.
- Human cadaver surgeries confirmed MIRA implantability at transradial, transhumeral, and glenohumeral levels, with minor lead length limitations at the glenohumeral level.
Conclusions:
- The MIRA system demonstrates promise for clinical research in limb amputees, offering stable, long-term intramuscular EMG transmission for all major upper limb amputation levels.
- MIRA's high channel count and potential integration with decoding algorithms may enable advanced prosthetic control, particularly for above-elbow amputees.
