Development of Flexible-Based Electrode Array for Spinal Cord Interface

• Author / Creator

  Khaled, Imad M.

• Multi-electrode arrays are essential tools to interface with the nervous system. The development of a flexible-based electrode array used to interface with the spinal cord is reported. A 2D finite element model (FEM) was developed to characterize the design parameters of such an array. A customizable, feasible and repeatable fabrication process is presented. The mechanical properties of the developed prototypes were characterized using the dynamic mechanical analysis. The arrays were implanted into surrogate cords that mimic the human spinal cord. The comparison between the strains measured across the cords implanted with flexible-based arrays and the ones implanted with other types of arrays (solid-based and individual wires) showed that the former arrays are mechanically more compliant with the cord than the rigid-based arrays. The experimental results validated the FEM, which was used to analyze the stresses induced by the electrodes of the different types of arrays on the cord. The obtained results confirmed the mechanical compliance of the flexible-based arrays with the cords.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Spinal cord
  • Multi-electrode array

• Graduation date

  Spring 2012

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R32M8Q

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.