Directed stimulation with interfascicular interfaces for peripheral nerve stimulation

Abstract

Objective. Computational models have shown that directional electrical contacts placed within the epineurium, between the fascicles, and not penetrating the perineurium, can achieve selectivity levels similar to point source contacts placed within the fascicle. The objective of this study is to test, in a murine model, the hypothesis that directed interfascicular contacts are selective. Approach. Multiple interfascicular electrodes with directional contacts, exposed on a single face, were implanted in the sciatic nerves of 32 rabbits. Fine-wire intramuscular wire electrodes were implanted to measure electromyographic (EMG) activity from medial and lateral gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior muscles. Main results. The recruitment data demonstrated that directed interfascicular interfaces, which do not penetrate the perineurium, selectively activate different axon populations. Significance. Interfascicular interfaces that are inside the nerve, but do not penetrate the perineurium are an alternative to intrafascicular interfaces and may offer additional selectivity compared to extraneural approaches.