Thin-film micro electrode array and method
A thin-film microelectrode array tailored for long-term, minimally invasive cortical recording or stimulation and method are provided. The microelectrode array includes a flexible element that is movable between a first contracted configuration and a second expanded configuration. An array of contacts is provided on the flexible element. The contacts are engagable with a cortical surface with the flexible element in the expanded configuration. A link operatively connects the array of contacts to a control module. The link is capable of transmitting at least one of cortical recordings and cortical stimulation signals thereon.
1. An electrode tailored for long-term, minimally invasive cortical recording or stimulation, comprising:
a flexible element including:
a first layer fabricated from a first material responsive to a predetermined stimulus, the first layer having upper and lower surfaces; and
a second layer fabricated from a second material, the second layer having an upper surface bonded to the lower surface of the first layer and a lower surface;
a contact on the lower surface of the second layer of the flexible element; and
a link for operatively connecting the contact to a control module, the link capable of transmitting at least one of cortical recordings and cortical stimulation signals thereon;
wherein:
the flexible element is selectively movable between a first contracted configuration and a second expanded configuration in response to the application of the predetermined stimulus to the first layer of the flexible element; and
the contact engagable with a cortical surface with the flexible element in the expanded configuration.
2. The electrode of claim 1 wherein the lower surface of the second layer of the flexible element is hydrophilic.
3. The electrode of claim 1 wherein the upper surface of the first layer of the flexible element is hydrophobic.
4. The electrode of claim 1 wherein the predetermined stimulus is voltage.
5. The electrode of claim 1 wherein the link includes a cable having a first end operatively connected to the contact and a second end connectable to the control module.
6. The electrode of claim 1 further comprising a second contact, the second contact engagable with a cortical surface with the flexible element in the expanded configuration.
7. A thin-film microelectrode array tailored for long-term, minimally invasive cortical recording or stimulation, comprising:
a flexible element including:
a first layer fabricated from a first material responsive to a predetermined stimulus, the first layer having upper and lower surfaces; and
a second layer fabricated from a second material, the second layer having an upper surface bonded to the lower surface of the first layer and a lower surface;
an array of contacts provided on the lower surface of the second layer of the flexible element; and
a link for operatively connecting the array of contacts to a control module, the link capable of transmitting at least one of cortical recordings and cortical stimulation signals thereon;
wherein:
the flexible element is selectively movable between a first contracted configuration and a second expanded configuration in response to the application of the stimulus to the first layer; and
the contacts engagable with a cortical surface with the flexible element in the expanded configuration.
8. The microelectrode array of claim 7 wherein the lower surface of the second layer of the flexible element is hydrophilic.
9. The microelectrode array of claim 7 wherein the upper surface of the first layer of the flexible element is hydrophobic.
10. The microelectrode array of claim 7 wherein the predetermined stimulus is voltage.
11. The microelectrode array of claim 7 wherein the link includes a plurality of wires, each wire having a first end operatively connected to one of the array of contacts and a second end connectable to the control module.