An implantable neural connector incorporating microfabricated components

Abstract

The authors discuss design considerations and outline the fabrication of a neural connector comprising a polymer guidance channel and a microfabricated silicon dice incorporating an array of via holes. The proposed neural interface could ultimately find application in the control of motor/sensory limb prostheses for amputees and for the direct stimulation of limbs in spinal cord injury cases. A number of different connectors have been fabricated and some of them have been implanted in rabbits.