| Integrated Electrode Arrays for Neuro-Prosthetic Implants |
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| NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California | |
| Jan 31 2003 | |
Integrated array would eliminate the need for extensive cabling in implants.
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Arrays of electrodes integrated with chip-scale packages and silicon-based integrated circuits have been proposed for use as medical electronic implants, including neuro-prosthetic devices that might be implanted in brains of patients who suffer from strokes, spinal-cord injuries, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The electrodes of such a device would pick up signals from neurons in the cerebral cortex, and the integrated circuit would perform acquisition and preprocessing of signal data. The output of the integrated circuit could be used to generate, for example, commands for a robotic arm. Electrode arrays capable of acquiring electrical signals from neurons already exist, but heretofore, there has been no convenient means to integrate these arrays with integrated-circuit chips. Such integration is needed in order to eliminate the need for the extensive cabling now used to pass neural signals to data-acquisition and -processing equipment outside the body. The proposed integration would enable progress toward neuro-prostheses that would be less restrictive of patients' mobility.  Conceptual Process Flow shows wires supported and electrically connected by solder bumps, which would serve as electrodes for acquiring signals from neurons. The integrated circuit would preprocess the signals for use by external circuits. The probes could be tailored to any distribution of lengths and made of any suitable metal that could be drawn into fine wires. Furthermore, the wires could be coated with an insulating layer using anodization or other processes, to achieve the correct electrical impedance. The probe wires and the packaging materials must be biocompatible using such materials as lead-free solders. For protection, the chip and package can be coated with parylene. Conceptual Process Flow shows wires supported and electrically connected by solder bumps, which would serve as electrodes for acquiring signals from neurons. The integrated circuit would preprocess the signals for use by external circuits. This work was done by Erik Brandon and Mohammed Mojarradi of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Computers/Electronics category. In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to Refer to NPO-21198, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number. This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Integrated Electrode Arrays for Neuro-Prosthetic Implants (reference NPO-21198) is currently available for download from the TSP library. Login first to download.
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