Model-based geometrical optimisation and in vivo validation of a spatially selective multielectrode cuff array for vagus nerve neuromodulation

Background. Neuromodulation by electrical stimulation of the human cervical vagus nerve may be limited adverse side effects due to off-target organs. It possible overcome this spatially selective peripheral nerves. Preliminary studies have shown is using a cylindrical multielectrode human-sized cuff in neuromodulation. New method. The model-based optimisation method for multi-electrode geometric design presented. was applied array and suggested two rings 14 electrodes, 3 mm apart, with 0.4 electrode width separation length 0.5-3 mm, through pair same radial position on rings. electrodes were fabricated PDMS-embedded stainless steel foil PEDOT: pTS coating. Results. In anaesthetised sheep, it selectively reduce respiratory breath rate (RBR) 85 +/- 5% without affecting heart rate, or (HR) 20 7% rate. cardiac- pulmonary-specific sites cross-sectional perimeter localised 105 5 degrees (P < 0.01, N = 24 12 sheep). Conclusions. Results suggest organotopic function-specific organisation neural fibres nerve. optimised demonstrated neuromodulation effects. translate improved treatment autonomic currently intractable conditions.