Micro machining brain implant needle arrays.
A major challenge in the industry is the creation of a degree of control over electromechanical prostheses in severely disabled spinal injury patients or loss-of-limb patients. Of the many techniques being researched to alleviate disabilities and damage of the nervous system, one approach is based on engineered electrodes interfacing with the brain. The case study described here illustrates the use of microelectrodischarge machining, which is a critical component in the creation of an engineering system that interlinks directly with the brain.
Hoyle
Robert
R
MicroBridge Services Ltd, Manufacturing Engineering Centre, Cardiff University, The Parade, UK. hoylert@cardiff.ac.uk
D001921:Brain / Q000601:surgery*; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008839:Microelectrodes; D008904:Miniaturization; D009339:Needles