Implantable Silicone Electrode for Measurement of Muscle Activity: Results of First in Vivo Evaluation

Abstract

An implantable silicone electrode for acquisition of the electromyogram (EMG) was developed and tested on the musculus gluteus superficialis of fourteen rats for a period of eight weeks. A simple and low invasive procedure for electrode implantation was developed and achieved reliable and reproducible positioning of the electrodes. All electrodes stayed mechanically intact over implantation period. Electrode impedance decreased from implantation to explantation and no electrical failures of electrodes were observed.