Microfabricated surface neurostimulation device and methods of making and using the same
AssigneeEcole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne
InventorsAndré MERCANZINI, Philippe RENAUD
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Abstract
Described herein are microelectrode array devices, and methods of fabrication and use of the same, to provide highly localized and efficient electrical stimulation of a neurological target. The device includes multiple microelectrode elements arranged along an supportive backing layer. The microelectrode elements are dimensioned and shaped so as to target individual neurons, groups of neurons, and neural tissue as may be located in an animal nervous system, such as along a region of a cortex of a human brain. Beneficially, the neurological probe can be used to facilitate location of the neurological target and remain implanted for long-term monitoring and/or stimulation.
Claims24
1-22. (canceled)
An implantable neurological probe comprising:
- a supportive backing layer;
- and
- a flexible substrate disposed on the supportive backing layer and comprising an insulative layer, a conductive layer comprising one or more conductive traces disposed on the insulative layer, at least one microelectrode element disposed on the insulative layer and coupled to the one or more conductive traces, and a second insulative layer disposed on the conductive layer.
A method for stimulating a neurological target comprising:
- implanting a neurological probe within a vicinity of a neurological target site, the neurological probe comprising a supportive backing layer and a flexible substrate disposed on the supportive backing layer, the flexible substrate comprising an insulative layer, a conductive layer comprising one or more conductive traces disposed on the insulative layer, at least one microelectrode element disposed on the insulative layer and coupled to the one or more conductive traces, and a second insulative layer disposed on the conductive layer;
- and
- energizing by a supplied electrical signal, the at least one microelectrode element, wherein the at least one microelectrode element produces an electric field adapted to stimulate the neurological target site.
An implantable neurological surface probe comprising:
- a supportive backing layer;
- a plurality of protrusions, each attached at one end to the supportive backing layer;
- a microelectrode film disposed along at least a portion of the supportive backing layer;
- a plurality of microelectrode elements disposed on the microelectrode film and arranged along each of the plurality of protrusions.
A method of making an implantable neurological surface probe comprising:
- shaping a supportive backing layer, the supportive backing layer comprising at least one protrusion;
- forming a plurality of microelectrode elements on a microelectrode film;
- coupling the microelectrode film along at least a portion of the surface of the supportive backing layer, such that the plurality of microelectrode elements are arranged along the plurality of protrusions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.