Abstract
The new field of neuro-prosthetics focuses on the design and implementation of neural prostheses to restore some of the lost neural functions. The electrode-tissue contacts remain one of the major obstacles of neural prostheses microstructure. Recently, Microelectrode fabrication techniques have been developed to have a long-term and stable interface with the brain. In this paper, a comparative analysis of finite element models (FEM) for several electrode layouts is conducted. FEM involves parametric and sensitivity analysis to show the effects of the different design parameters on the electrode mechanical performance. These parameters include electrode dimensions, geometry, and materials. The electrodes mechanical performance is evaluated with various analysis techniques including: linear buckling analysis, stationary analysis with axial and shear loading, and failure analysis for brittle and ductile materials. Finally, a novel figure of merit (FOM) is presented and dedicated to the various electrodes prototypes. The proposed designs take into account mechanical performance, fabrication cost, and cross sectional area of the electrode. The FOM provides important design insights to help the electrodes designers to select the best electrode design parameters that meet their design constraints.
Highlights
Recently deep brain stimulation microelectrode has become an essential component in the therapy of neural disorders
Glass micropipettes were the first form of microelectrodes but are limited by single site in vitro recording for research applications [1]
The applied insertion force should be greater than the total reaction force to achieve successful penetration without any of mechanical failures
Summary
Deep brain stimulation microelectrode has become an essential component in the therapy of neural disorders. The chronical electrodes are implanted into the selected brain target and are directed to treat the movement disorder. Glass micropipettes were the first form of microelectrodes but are limited by single site in vitro recording for research applications [1]. Glass micropipettes were replaced by microwire bundle electrodes in rodent and primate signal recording. They were used to record chronically from the brain to focus on the individual neuron, and offered multiple recording sites [2, 3]. The disadvantages of microwire electrodes are: (1) limited to single channel per wire, and (2) during implantation, the accurate location of the electrode tips relative to each other is not controllable due to wire bending.
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