Multichannel Neural Cuff Electrodes with Integrated Multiplexer Circuit

In order to restore hand function in spinal cord injured people by functional electrical stimnlation of arm nerves, we developed an lllpolar neural cuff type electrode with integrated multiplexer circuit. This circuit reduces the number of necessary interconnection leads to a stimulator from twelve to four. Cable reduction was intended to reduce the risk of cable breakage which is one of the main reasons for implant failure. The multiplexer cuff electrode was fabricated applying a combination of micromacbining, hybrid integration and traditional silicone technology, which enabled one to make the system robust, mechanically flexible and small in size.