Chi T Lu

US Patent:

20140371564, Dec 18, 2014

Filed:

Jun 17, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/919594

Inventors:

Polina Olegovna Anikeeva - Somerville MA, US
Xiaoting Jia - Somerville MA, US
Chi Lu - Cambridge MA, US
Andres Canales - Brighton MA, US
Ulrich Paul Froriep - Brighton MA, US
Christina Myra Tringides - Cambridge MA, US
Yoel Fink - Brookline MA, US

International Classification:

A61N 1/05
A61M 37/00
A61B 5/04
A61N 5/06

US Classification:

600377, 607116, 607 88, 604 20

Abstract:

Thermal drawing processes can be used to make multifunctional, high-resolution neural probes for neural recording and stimulation. An exemplary neural probe may include one or more conductive fibers or microelectrodes coated with two or more layers of insulating material, at least one of which is partially etched to expose a tip at the neural probe's distal end. The conductive fibers conduct electrical signals (e.g., neural spikes or electrical stimulation) between the tip and the neural probe's proximal end. Optional optical and fluidic waveguides may guide light and fluid, respectively, between the tip and the proximal end. A neural probe may be flexible enough for long-term (chronic) implantation in neural tissue (e.g., the brain) without excessive tissue damage, even during movement of the brain in the skull. The probe may be made from biocompatible materials, such as insulating and conductive polymers, that have negligible (insignificant) interaction with the surrounding tissue.