Longitudinal Intrafascicular Electrodes Research Articles

Selective chronic recording in small nerve fascicles of sciatic nerve with carbon nanotube yarns in rats

Objective. The primary challenge faced in the field of neural rehabilitation engineering is the limited advancement in nerve interface technology, which currently fails to match the mechanical properties of small-diameter nerve fascicles. Novel developments are necessary to enable long-term, chronic recording from a multitude of small fascicles, allowing for the recovery of motor intent and sensory signals. Approach. In this study, we analyze the chronic recording capabilities of carbon nanotube yarn electrodes in the peripheral somatic nervous system. The electrodes were surgically implanted in the sciatic nerve’s three individual fascicles in rats, enabling the recording of neural activity during gait. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and information theory were employed to analyze the data, demonstrating the superior recording capabilities of the electrodes. Flat interface nerve electrode and thin-film longitudinal intrafascicular electrode electrodes were used as a references to assess the results from SNR and information theory analysis. Main results. The electrodes exhibited the ability to record chronic signals with SNRs reaching as high as 15 dB, providing 12 bits of information for the sciatic nerve, a significant improvement over previous methods. Furthermore, the study revealed that the SNR and information content of the neural signals remained consistent over a period of 12 weeks across three different fascicles, indicating the stability of the interface. The signals recorded from these electrodes were also analyzed for selectivity using information theory metrics, which showed an information sharing of approximately 1.4 bits across the fascicles. Significance. The ability to safely and reliably record from multiple fascicles of different nerves simultaneously over extended periods of time holds substantial implications for the field of neural and rehabilitation engineering. This advancement addresses the limitation of current nerve interface technologies and opens up new possibilities for enhancing neural rehabilitation and control.

Microneurography as a minimally invasive method to assess target engagement during neuromodulation

Objective. Peripheral neural signals recorded during neuromodulation therapies provide insights into local neural target engagement and serve as a sensitive biomarker of physiological effect. Although these applications make peripheral recordings important for furthering neuromodulation therapies, the invasive nature of conventional nerve cuffs and longitudinal intrafascicular electrodes (LIFEs) limit their clinical utility. Furthermore, cuff electrodes typically record clear asynchronous neural activity in small animal models but not in large animal models. Microneurography, a minimally invasive technique, is already used routinely in humans to record asynchronous neural activity in the periphery. However, the relative performance of microneurography microelectrodes compared to cuff and LIFE electrodes in measuring neural signals relevant to neuromodulation therapies is not well understood. Approach. To address this gap, we recorded cervical vagus nerve electrically evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) and spontaneous activity in a human-scaled large animal model—the pig. Additionally, we recorded sensory evoked activity and both invasively and non-invasively evoked CAPs from the great auricular nerve. In aggregate, this study assesses the potential of microneurography electrodes to measure neural activity during neuromodulation therapies with statistically powered and pre-registered outcomes (https://osf.io/y9k6j). Main results. The cuff recorded the largest ECAP signal (p < 0.01) and had the lowest noise floor amongst the evaluated electrodes. Despite the lower signal to noise ratio, microneurography electrodes were able to detect the threshold for neural activation with similar sensitivity to cuff and LIFE electrodes once a dose-response curve was constructed. Furthermore, the microneurography electrodes recorded distinct sensory evoked neural activity. Significance. The results show that microneurography electrodes can measure neural signals relevant to neuromodulation therapies. Microneurography could further neuromodulation therapies by providing a real-time biomarker to guide electrode placement and stimulation parameter selection to optimize local neural fiber engagement and study mechanisms of action.

Dynamic peripheral nerve stimulation can produce cortical activation similar to punctate mechanical stimuli.

During contact, phasic and tonic responses provide feedback that is used for task performance and perceptual processes. These disparate temporal dynamics are carried in peripheral nerves, and produce overlapping signals in cortex. Using longitudinal intrafascicular electrodes inserted into the median nerve of a nonhuman primate, we delivered composite stimulation consisting of onset and release bursts to capture rapidly adapting responses and sustained stochastic stimulation to capture the ongoing response of slowly adapting receptors. To measure the stimulation's effectiveness in producing natural responses, we monitored the local field potential in somatosensory cortex. We compared the cortical responses to peripheral nerve stimulation and vibrotactile/punctate stimulation of the fingertip, with particular focus on gamma band (30-65 Hz) responses. We found that vibrotactile stimulation produces consistently phase locked gamma throughout the duration of the stimulation. By contrast, punctate stimulation responses were phase locked at the onset and release of stimulation, but activity maintained through the stimulation was not phase locked. Using these responses as guideposts for assessing the response to the peripheral nerve stimulation, we found that constant frequency stimulation produced continual phase locking, whereas composite stimulation produced gamma enhancement throughout the stimulus, phase locked only at the onset and release of the stimulus. We describe this response as an "Appropriate Response in the gamma band" (ARγ), a trend seen in other sensory systems. Our demonstration is the first shown for intracortical somatosensory local field potentials. We argue that this stimulation paradigm produces a more biomimetic response in somatosensory cortex and is more likely to produce naturalistic sensations for readily usable neuroprosthetic feedback.

Prospective pre-operative 3-T MR neurography peripheral nerve mapping of upper extremity amputations implanted with FAST-LIFE electrode interfaces of robotic hands: technical report.

Fascicular targeting of longitudinal intrafascicular electrode (FAST-LIFE) interface enables hand dexterity with exogenous electrical microstimulation for sensory restoration, custom neural recording hardware, and deep learning-based artificial intelligence for motor intent decoding. The purpose of this technical report from a prospective pilot study was to illustrate magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) mapping of hand and nerve anatomy in amputees and incremental value of MRN over electrophysiology findings in pre-surgical planning of FAST-LIFE interface (robotic hand) patients. After obtaining informed consent, patients with upper extremity amputations underwent pre-operative 3-T MRN, X-rays, and electrophysiology. MRN findings were correlated with electrophysiology reports. Descriptive statistics were performed. Five patients of ages 21-59years exhibited 3/5 partial hand amputations, and 2/5 transradial amputations on X-rays. The median and ulnar nerve end bulb neuromas measured 10.1 ± 3.04mm (range: 5.5-14mm, median: 10.5mm) and 10.9 ± 7.64mm (2-22mm, 9.75mm), respectively. The ADC of median and ulnar nerves were increased at 1.64 ± 0.1 × 10-3 mm2/s (range: 1.5-1.8, median: 1.64 × 10-3 mm2/s) and 1.70 ± 0.17 × 10-3 mm2/s (1.49-1.98 × 10-3 mm2/s, 1.65 × 10-3 mm2/s), respectively. Other identified lesions were neuromas of superficial branch of the radial nerve and anterior interosseous nerve. On electrophysiology, 2/5 reports were unremarkable, 2/5 showed mixed motor-sensory neuropathies of median and ulnar nerves along with radial sensory neuropathy, and 1/5 showed sensory neuropathy of lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm. All patients regained naturalistic sensations and motor control of digits. 3-T MRN allows excellent demonstration of forearm and hand nerve anatomy, altered diffusion characteristics, and their neuromas despite unremarkable electrophysiology for pre-surgical planning of the FAST-LIFE (robotic hand) interfaces.

3. MOTOR CONTROL OF INDIVIDUAL DIGITS OF A ROBOTIC HAND USING ONLY SIGNALS RECORDED FROM THE PERIPHERAL NERVES

PURPOSE: Despite advances in artificial sensory feedback and EMG-based motor control, robotic hand “dexterity” remains elusive due to the inability to provide reliable individual digit motor control. We previously demonstrated functionally-relevant tactile and proprioceptive sensory feedback using fascicle-specific targeting of longitudinal intrafascicular electrodes (FAST-LIFE interfaces) implanted in the residual nerves of the amputated upper limb. Here we describe advances in motor control obtained by combining FAST-LIFE interfacing with peripheral nerve-specific motor control technology developed by our group. METHODS: Oversight by the UTSW IRB. 6 patient trials were performed, duration 3 - 15 months. Amputation level: 3 partial hand (FAST-LIFE interfaces in motor/sensory fascicles of ulnar nerve); 3 transradial (FAST-LIFE interfaces in motor/sensory fascicles of median + ulnar nerves). RESULTS: We demonstrated individual digit control of a robotic hand prosthesis using: 1) FAST-LIFE interfacing, 2) hardware for recording peripheral nerve signals, 3) machine learning decoding of motor intent, and 4) portable controllers for individual digit actuation. Details of decoding accuracy, task matching trials, and individual digit control will be discussed. The study culminated in a “take-home” trial. CONCLUSION: Individual digit control of a robotic hand prosthesis can be accomplished using only signals derived from FAST-LIFE implants placed in the residual nerves of the amputated upper limb. Our novel motor control strategy holds promise for robotic hand control in higher level amputations, where conventional EMG sensors are ineffective due to total absence of the forearm muscles.

Fascicle-Specific Targeting of Longitudinal Intrafascicular Electrodes for Motor and Sensory Restoration in Upper-Limb Amputees.

Multichannel longitudinal intrafascicular electrode (LIFE) interfaces provide optimized balance of invasiveness and stability for chronic sensory stimulation and motor recording/decoding of peripheral nerve signals. Using a fascicle-specific targeting (FAST)-LIFE approach, where electrodes are individually placed within discrete sensory- and motor-related fascicular subdivisions of the residual ulnar and/or median nerves in an amputated upper limb, FAST-LIFE interfacing can provide discernment of motor intent for individual digit control of a robotic hand, and restoration of touch- and movement-related sensory feedback. The authors describe their findings from clinical studies performed with 6 human amputee trials using FAST-LIFE interfacing of the residual upper limb.

Abstract 76: Motor and Sensory Control of Robotic Hands Through Fascicular Targeting

PURPOSE: 18-25,000 upper limb amputations occur in the US annually. We have developed fascicular targeting (FAST) as a surgical approach for implanting electrode interfaces within the individual component fascicular groups of the nerves in the residual limb of upper extremity amputees. Our hypothesis is that FAST, when combined with custom-developed technologies including longitudinal intrafascicular electrode (LIFE) interfaces, nerve stimulation and recording electronics, sensory stimulation patterns, and artificial intelligence (AI) motor decoding algorithms, will enable the restoration of naturalistic hand function in robotic hand protheses used by upper extremity amputees. METHODS: 5 upper extremity amputees were implanted with LIFE + cuff interfaces for durations ranging from 3 months up to 1 year. 3 subjects were partial-hand amputees with 2 FAST interfaces (2 ulnar nerve fascicles). 2 subjects were transradial amputees with 4 FAST interfaces (2 ulnar nerve and 2 median nerve fascicles). Weekly experimental sessions were performed: to assess stimulation parameters for sensory feedback, to record motor signals for robotic hand control, and to train and measure functional performance following restoration of naturalistic sensory feedback and motor control. Implants were removed at the completion of the trial. RESULTS: All implants were well-tolerated by subjects, with little to no functional morbidity caused by their participation in the trial. Sensory stimulation thresholds remained within a usable range for the duration of the trial. Stimulation patterns were used to elicit sensations perceived as either natural or non-natural, according to subjects’ preferences. Sensory discrimination and anatomic localization were also assessed. Motor signals were recorded using a novel microchip design with built-in artifact rejection circuitry. Acquisition of single-unit motor data permitted the use of AI-based signal decoding algorithms to establish independent, free-will control of all 5 digits of the robotic hand. Single-session decodes continued to work for over 3–4 weeks post-training. Functional performance using closed-loop sensorimotor control, with anatomically relevant sensory feedback and user controlled activation of individual digits of the robotic hand, will be discussed in detail. CONCLUSION: Fascicular targeting, when combined with specialized sensory stimulation and motor recording strategies, can enable true dexterity for upper extremity amputees using robotic hands. This holds promise for the development of full clinical systems to restore the hands of upper extremity amputees.

Update on Peripheral Nerve Electrodes for Closed-Loop Neuroprosthetics.

In this paper various types of electrodes for stimulation and recording activity of peripheral nerves for the control of neuroprosthetic limbs are reviewed. First, an overview of interface devices for (feedback-) controlled movement of a prosthetic device is given, after which the focus is on peripheral nervous system (PNS) electrodes. Important electrode properties, i.e., longevity and spatial resolution, are defined based upon the usability for neuroprostheses. The cuff electrode, longitudinal intrafascicular electrodes (LIFE), transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrode (TIME), Utah slanted electrode array (USEA), and the regenerative electrode are discussed and assessed on their longevity and spatial resolution. The cuff electrode seems to be a promising electrode for the control of neuroprostheses in the near future, because it shows the best longevity and good spatial resolution and it has been used on human subjects in multiple studies. The other electrodes may be promising in the future, but further research on their longevity and spatial resolution is needed. A more quantitatively uniform study protocol used for all electrodes would allow for a proper comparison of recording and stimulation performance. For example, the discussed electrodes could be compared in a large in vivo study, using one uniform comparison protocol.

Long‐term feasibility and biocompatibility of directly microsurgically implanted intrafascicular electrodes in free roaming rabbits

Novel neural interfaces capable of reliably capturing electrical signals are crucial for the development of prostheses. Longitudinal intrafascicular electrodes (LIFEs) have been proposed as a promising technology, and their feasibility and biocompatibility need to be investigated for long-term implantation. In this study, custom-designed 95%Pt-5%Ir intrafascicular electrodes were implanted into the sciatic nerves of 14 rabbits using our novel direct microsurgical technique. The biocompatibility and their ability to record electrophysiological signals were serially investigated up to 9 months after implantation. Nerve tissues were examined using light and transmitted electron microscopy, and axon diameters were quantified, evaluated over time, and compared with sham-control (N = 4). Selective stimulation and stable recording properties of electrical signals were achieved by intrafascicular electrodes along the experimental period. While electrophysiological signal amplitude decreased by as early as 1 month after implantation (p < 0.05), the signal strength recovered to baseline levels by 3-5 months (p > 0.05). Axon diameter results showed a similar trend of initial decline (10.8% reduction, p < 0.01) followed by gradual recovery by 6 months (p > 0.05). Microstructural and ultrastructural analysis revealed modest tissue damage at the implantation site after implantation with gradual normalization over time. Intrafascicular electrodes implanted with direct microsurgical techniques demonstrated good biocompatibility and have great potential for long-term implantation and electrophysiological recordings. Though subtle tissue damage impaired ability to capture electrophysiological signals in the first 2 months, this damage gradually normalized after 3 months, and was fully normalized by 6 months. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 435-444, 2019.

Mechanical fatigue resistance of an implantable branched lead system for a distributed set of longitudinal intrafascicular electrodes

Objective. A neural interface system has been developed that consists of an implantable stimulator/recorder can with a 15-electrode lead that trifurcates into three bundles of five individual wire longitudinal intrafascicular electrodes. This work evaluated the mechanical fatigue resistance of the branched lead and distributed electrode system under conditions designed to mimic anticipated strain profiles that would be observed after implantation in the human upper arm. Approach. Custom test setups and procedures were developed to apply linear or angular strain at four critical stress riser points on the lead and electrode system. Each test was performed to evaluate fatigue under a high repetition/low amplitude paradigm designed to test the effects of arm movement on the leads during activities such as walking, or under a low repetition/high amplitude paradigm designed to test the effects of more strenuous upper arm activities. The tests were performed on representative samples of the implantable lead system for human use. The specimens were fabricated using procedures equivalent to those that will be used during production of human-use implants. Electrical and visual inspections of all test specimens were performed before and after the testing procedures to assess lead integrity. Main results. Measurements obtained before and after applying repetitive strain indicated that all test specimens retained electrical continuity and that electrical impedance remained well below pre-specified thresholds for detection of breakage. Visual inspection under a microscope at 10× magnification did not reveal any signs of damage to the wires or silicone sheathing at the stress riser points. Significance. These results demonstrate that the branched lead of this implantable neural interface system has sufficient mechanical fatigue resistance to withstand strain profiles anticipated when the system is implanted in an arm. The novel test setups and paradigms may be useful in testing other lead systems.

Estimation of the Electrode-Fiber Bioelectrical Coupling From Extracellularly Recorded Single Fiber Action Potentials.

Selective peripheral neural interfaces are currently capable of detecting minute electrical signals from nearby nerve fibers as single fiber action potential (SFAP) waveforms. Each detected single unit has a distinct shape originating from the unique bioelectrical coupling that exists between the neuroprosthetic electrode, the nerve fiber and the extracellular milieu. The bioelectrical coupling manifests itself as a series of low-pass Bessel filters acting on the action currents along the nerve fiber. Here, we present a method to estimate the electrode-fiber bioelectrical coupling through a quantitative analysis of the spectral distribution of the single units extracellularly recorded with the thin-film longitudinal intrafascicular electrode (tfLIFE) in an in vivo mammalian peripheral nerve animal model. The bioelectrical coupling estimate is an estimate of the electrode sensitivity function traversed by the nerve fiber, suggesting that it is as a means to directly measure the spatial relationship between the nerve fiber and electrode. It not only reflects a shape change to the SFAP, but has implications for in situ nerve fiber location tracking, in situ diagnostics of nerves and neuroproshetic electrodes, and assessment of the biocompatibility of neural interfaces and the health of the reporting nerve fibers.

A functional model and simulation of spinal motor pools and intrafascicular recordings of motoneuron activity in peripheral nerve.

Decoding motor intent from recorded neural signals is essential for the development of effective neural-controlled prostheses. To facilitate the development of online decoding algorithms we have developed a software platform to simulate neural motor signals recorded with peripheral nerve electrodes, such as longitudinal intrafascicular electrodes (LIFEs). The simulator uses stored motor intent signals to drive a pool of simulated motoneurons with various spike shapes, recruitment characteristics, and firing frequencies. Each electrode records a weighted sum of a subset of simulated motoneuron activity patterns. As designed, the simulator facilitates development of a suite of test scenarios that would not be possible with actual data sets because, unlike with actual recordings, in the simulator the individual contributions to the simulated composite recordings are known and can be methodically varied across a set of simulation runs. In this manner, the simulation tool is suitable for iterative development of real-time decoding algorithms prior to definitive evaluation in amputee subjects with implanted electrodes. The simulation tool was used to produce data sets that demonstrate its ability to capture some features of neural recordings that pose challenges for decoding algorithms.

A system and method to interface with multiple groups of axons in several fascicles of peripheral nerves

BackgroundSeveral neural interface technologies that stimulate and/or record from groups of axons have been developed. The longitudinal intrafascicular electrode (LIFE) is a fine wire that can provide access to a discrete population of axons within a peripheral nerve fascicle. Some applications require, or would benefit greatly from, technology that could provide access to multiple discrete sites in several fascicles. New methodThe distributed intrafascicular multi-electrode (DIME) lead was developed to deploy multiple LIFEs to several fascicles. It consists of several (e.g. six) LIFEs that are coiled and placed in a sheath for strength and durability, with a portion left uncoiled to allow insertion at distinct sites. We have also developed a multi-lead multi-electrode (MLME) management system that includes a set of sheaths and procedures for fabrication and deployment. ResultsA prototype with 3 DIME leads was fabricated and tested in a procedure in a cadaver arm. The leads were successfully routed through skin and connective tissue and the deployment procedures were utilized to insert the LIFEs into fascicles of two nerves. Comparison with existing method(s)Most multi-electrode systems use a single-lead, multi-electrode design. For some applications, this design may be limited by the bulk of the multi-contact array and/or by the spatial distribution of the electrodes. ConclusionWe have designed a system that can be used to access multiple sets of discrete groups of fibers that are spatially distributed in one or more fascicles of peripheral nerves. This system may be useful for neural-enabled prostheses or other applications.

Bioelectric interfaces for the peripheral nervous system.

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is an attractive target for those developing neural interfaces as an access point to the information flow coursing within our bodies. A successful neural interface could not only offer the means to understand basic neurophysiological mechanisms, such as how the body accomplishes complex coordinated control of multi degree of freedom body segments, but also could serve as the means of delivering treatment or therapies to restore physiological functions lost due to injury or disease. Our work in the development of such a neural interface focuses upon multi-microelectrode devices that are placed within the body of the nerve fascicle; mulit-channel intra-fascicular devices called the thin-film Longitudinal Intra-Fascicular Electrode (tfLIFE) and the Transversely Implanted Multi-Electrode (TIME). These structures provide high resolution access to the PNS and have demonstrated promise in animal work as well as in preliminary sub-acute work in human volunteers. However, work remains to improve upon their longevity and biocompatibility before full translation to clinical work can occur.

Correlation between muscular and nerve signals responsible for hand grasping in non-human primates.

Neuroprosthetic devices that interface with the nervous system to restore functional motor activity offer a viable alternative to nerve regeneration, especially in proximal nerve injuries like brachial plexus injuries where muscle atrophy may set in before nerve re-innervation occurs. Prior studies have used control signals from muscle or cortical activity. However, nerve signals are preferred in many cases since they permit more natural and precise control when compared to muscle activity, and can be accessed with much lower risk than cortical activity. Identification of nerve signals that control the appropriate muscles is essential for the development of such a `bionic link'. Here we examine the correlation between muscle and nerve signals responsible for hand grasping in the M. fascicularis. Simultaneous recordings were performed using a 4-channel thin-film longitudinal intra-fascicular electrode (tf-LIFE) and 9 bipolar endomysial muscle electrodes while the animal performed grasping movements. We were able to identify a high degree of correlation (r > 0.6) between nerve signals from the median nerve and movement-dependent muscle activity from the flexor muscles of the forearm, with a delay that corresponded to 25 m/s nerve conduction velocity. The phase of the flexion could be identified using a wavelet approximation of the ENG. This result confirms this approach for a future neuroprosthetic device for the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.

Stimulation Selectivity of the “Thin-Film Longitudinal Intrafascicular Electrode” (tfLIFE) and the “Transverse Intrafascicular Multi-Channel Electrode” (TIME) in the Large Nerve Animal Model

Neural prostheses are limited by the availability of peripheral neural electrodes to record the user's intention or provide sensory feedback through functional electrical stimulation. Our objective was to compare the ability of the novel “transverse intrafascicular multi-channel electrode” (TIME) and an earlier generation “thin-film longitudinal intrafascicular electrode” (tfLIFE) to selectively stimulate nerve fascicles and activate forelimb muscles in pigs. TIME was designed to access a larger subpopulation of fascicles than tfLIFE and should therefore be able to selectively activate a larger number of muscles. Electrodes were implanted in the median nerve, and sequential electric stimulation was applied to individual contacts. The compound muscle action potentials of seven muscles were recorded to quantify muscle recruitment. As expected, TIME was able to recruit more muscles with higher selectivity than tfLIFE (significant difference when comparing the performance of an entire electrode); a similar activation current was used (no significant difference). Histological analysis revealed that electrodes were located between fascicles, which influenced the selectivity and activation current level. In conclusion, TIME is a viable neural interface for selective activation of multiple fascicles in human-sized nerves that may assist to pave the way for future neuroprosthesis applications.

Decoding motor intent from simulated multiple longitudinal intrafascicular electrode recordings

Signals recorded from peripheral nerves may provide an effective and reliable means of controlling powered prosthetic limbs. Longitudinal intrafascicular electrodes (LIFEs) have been used to record extracellular motor activity from peripheral nerves in upper-limb amputees for periods up to several weeks and the ability to decode the activity and use it for single degree-of-freedom (DOF) control of a prosthetic arm has been demonstrated [1]. However, simultaneous control of multiple DOFs of the prosthesis, which is important for many daily tasks, presents additional challenges. Recently we developed a platform to simulate recording of extracellular motor activity from multiple LIFE electrodes [2]. We have also designed and tested an online decoding algorithm that utilizes these simulated recordings. Figure 1A&B shows the schematic of the decoder structure. The decoder is composed of multiple single channel decoders (SCDs) and a demixer. The SCD decodes motor intent from a LIFE recording. It is composed of a bandpass filter to attenuate noise and sharpen spikes, a clipping function to identify spikes and a half-Gaussian smoothing kernel to get a smoothed real-time estimate of motor intent. The demixer identifies the motor intent signals as corresponding to a particular motion class, such as wrist flexion, supination etc. The demixer requires a learning stage, where recordings from LIFEs are correlated to motion classes. A simple batched LMS algorithm is used to train the parameters of the demixer. Figure ​Figure1C,1C, display the result of a single channel decoding of a sinusoidal motor intent. Figure ​Figure1D1D shows results of demixing of two overlapped motor intents recorded by two LIFEs: the first electrode records activity from the two motor pools while the second electrode records activity from only one (not shown). During the learning stage, the demixer learns to account for common motor intent and provide good estimates of the two different motor intent signals. The decoder developed here could be readily implemented in a real-time, portable, low-power configuration to translate multiple LIFE recordings to motor intent signals that enable multi-DOF control of a powered prosthesis. Figure 1 (A) LIFE single channel decoder (SCD): neural signals are bandpass filtered, clipped to remove any residual background noise and normalize spike amplitudes, and filtered to smooth the spike trains and obtain the modulating signal S (i.e. motor intent). ...

Stationary wavelet transform and higher order statistical analyses of intrafascicular nerve recordings

Nerve signals were recorded from the sciatic nerve of the rabbits in the acute experiments with multi-channel thin-film longitudinal intrafascicular electrodes. 5.5 s sequences of quiescent and high-level nerve activity were spectrally decomposed by applying a ten-level stationary wavelet transform with the Daubechies 10 (Db10) mother wavelet. Then, the statistical distributions of the raw and subband-decomposed sequences were estimated and used to fit a fourth-order Pearson distribution as well as check for normality. The results indicated that the raw and decomposed background and high-level nerve activity distributions were nearly zero-mean and non-skew. All distributions with the frequency content above 187.5 Hz were leptokurtic except for the first-level decomposition representing frequencies in the subband between 12 and 24 kHz, which was Gaussian. This suggests that nerve activity acts to change the statistical distribution of the recording. The results further demonstrated that quiescent recording contained a mixture of an underlying pink noise and low-level nerve activity that could not be silenced. The signal-to-noise ratios based upon the standard deviation (SD) and kurtosis were estimated, and the latter was found as an effective measure for monitoring the nerve activity residing in different frequency subbands. The nerve activity modulated kurtosis along with SD, suggesting that the joint use of SD and kurtosis could improve the stability and detection accuracy of spike-detection algorithms. Finally, synthesizing the reconstructed subband signals following denoising based upon the higher order statistics of the subband-decomposed coefficient sequences allowed us to effectively purify the signal without distorting spike shape.

Combined Analysis of Cortical (EEG) and Nerve Stump Signals Improves Robotic Hand Control

Background. Interfacing an amputee’s upper-extremity stump nerves to control a robotic hand requires training of the individual and algorithms to process interactions between cortical and peripheral signals. Objective. To evaluate for the first time whether EEG-driven analysis of peripheral neural signals as an amputee practices could improve the classification of motor commands. Methods. Four thin-film longitudinal intrafascicular electrodes (tf-LIFEs-4) were implanted in the median and ulnar nerves of the stump in the distal upper arm for 4 weeks. Artificial intelligence classifiers were implemented to analyze LIFE signals recorded while the participant tried to perform 3 different hand and finger movements as pictures representing these tasks were randomly presented on a screen. In the final week, the participant was trained to perform the same movements with a robotic hand prosthesis through modulation of tf-LIFE-4 signals. To improve the classification performance, an event-related desynchronization/synchronization (ERD/ERS) procedure was applied to EEG data to identify the exact timing of each motor command. Results. Real-time control of neural (motor) output was achieved by the participant. By focusing electroneurographic (ENG) signal analysis in an EEG-driven time window, movement classification performance improved. After training, the participant regained normal modulation of background rhythms for movement preparation (α/β band desynchronization) in the sensorimotor area contralateral to the missing limb. Moreover, coherence analysis found a restored α band synchronization of Rolandic area with frontal and parietal ipsilateral regions, similar to that observed in the opposite hemisphere for movement of the intact hand. Of note, phantom limb pain (PLP) resolved for several months. Conclusions Combining information from both cortical (EEG) and stump nerve (ENG) signals improved the classification performance compared with tf-LIFE signals processing alone; training led to cortical reorganization and mitigation of PLP.

Stump nerve signals during transcranial magnetic motor cortex stimulation recorded in an amputee via longitudinal intrafascicular electrodes

Do central and peripheral motor pathways associated with an amputated limb retain at least some functions over periods of years? This problem could be addressed by evaluating the response patterns of nerve signals from peripheral motor fibers during transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of corticospinal tracts. The aim of this study was to record for the first time TMS-related responses from the nerves of a left arm stump of an amputee via intrafascicular longitudinal flexible multi-electrodes (tfLIFE4) implanted for a prosthetic hand control. After tfLIFE4 implant in the stump median and ulnar nerves, TMS impulses of increasing intensity were delivered to the contralateral motor cortex while tfLIFE4 recordings were carried out. Combining TMS of increasing intensity and tfLIFE4 electrodes recordings, motor nerve activity possibly related to the missing limb motor control and selectively triggered by brain stimulation without significant electromyographic contamination was identified. These findings are entirely original and indicate that tfLIFE4 signals are clearly driven from M1 stimulation, therefore witnessing the presence in the stump nerves of viable motor signals from the CNS possibly useful for artificial prosthesis control.