ID: 217533 An Injectable Electrode Enables Chronic Wireless Stimulation of the Rodent Sciatic Nerve

Abstract

Implantable neuromodulation technologies rely on trial periods where a temporary lead is placed to assess therapeutic stimulation efficacy. Permanent replacements may then be implanted by removing temporary leads and implanting new leads connected to internal pulse generators (IPGs). However, transitioning from temporarily placed leads to permanent devices introduces additional surgical burden on patients, who commonly experience less efficacious therapy from their permanent leads compared to their trial stimulators. To address this, we developed the Injectrode, a needle-injectable trial lead which accommodates chronic therapeutic stimulation by 1) transcutaneous means and 2) through attachment to commercial and custom-made IPGs via connectors coined “Handshakes.”