Speaker: Margaux Randolph
Advisor: Prof. Tyler
Title: Chronic Nerve Health of a Novel Interfascicular Peripheral Nerve Interface
Abstract:
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is currently used for a range of applications including restoration of tactile sensation and the treatment of chronic pain. Peripheral nerve interfaces have historically been limited by the intersection of selectivity and invasiveness. If selectivity is maximized by interfacing directly with axonal populations, the blood nerve barrier is interrupted which can result in axon loss and demyelination. In contrast, currently used extra-neural electrodes are limited in their selectivity. In this talk I explore a new class of interfascicular peripheral nerve interfaces which penetrate the nerve’s outer membrane while keeping the blood nerve barrier intact. I am specifically focused on understanding the chronic tissue response to interfascicular electrodes, and will discuss electrode development, validation, and plans for histological assessment of a chronic implant.