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Abstract

Grant Number:	5R44NS036485-03
PI Name:	JACOBSEN, STEPHEN C.
PI Email:	sjacobsen@sarcos.com
PI Title:
Project Title:	Cylindrical Microfabrication of Stimulating Electrodes

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): There are several problems currently associated with peripheral functional neuromuscular stimulation prostheses. These problems include lead breakage and electrode migration due to the close proximity of the electrodes to the contracting muscles. It is postulated that a spinal cord functional neuromuscular stimulation system will eliminate these problems. To create such a system, microfabricated electrode arrays need to be developed. The goal of this project is to continue Phase I effort developing multiple microfabricated electrodes for producing stable and graded muscle contraction forces by stimulating motor neurons located in the mammalian lumbo-sacral spinal cord, ultimately for restoring functional motion to paralyzed individuals. In Phase I of this project, the Center for Engineering Design (CED) developed microelectrodes suitable for the stimulation of neural tissue. The initial phase of the Phase II project will focus on further developing and characterizing microfabricated electrodes that can eventually be fabricated in an array to be implanted in the spinal cord. The versatility of the arrayed microetectrodes will be tested in-vivo and percutaneous connectors will be developed to permit chronic studies. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: NOT AVAILABLE

Thesaurus Terms:
biomaterial development /preparation, biomedical equipment development, implant, microelectrode, nervous system prosthesis, neuromuscular stimulator
motor neuron, muscle contraction
cat, histology, medical implant science

Institution:	SARCOS RESEARCH CORPORATION
	360 WAKARA WY
	SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84108
Fiscal Year:	2003
Department:
Project Start:	01-SEP-1998
Project End:	28-FEB-2004
ICD:	NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE
IRG:	ZRG1

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