Abstract: A device for reducing foreign body response in a subject caused by an electrode implanted in a subject's tissue. A base is secured to the subject, having a base aperture in proximity to the target site. The base can receive and align a body thereon. A body contains a chamber extending between a chamber aperture, aligned with the base aperture, at one end and a chamber opening at an opposite end. The chamber contains an acoustic coupling medium, such as polyvinyl alcohol cryogel, transmits acoustic vibrations from a transducer without altering their frequency. The transducer is mounted to the device and is configured to transmit acoustic vibrations into the chamber and through said acoustic coupling medium to the subject tissue at the target site, creating an acoustic field in the target site sufficient to reduce foreign body response in the subject where the electrode contacts the target tissue.

Abstract: An implant insertion device includes a vibrational actuator generating axial vibrations, a coupler interconnected to the actuator and selectively retaining an implant with penetrating electrodes. The coupler has a distal end cavity at one end dimensioned to receive and retain at least a portion of the implant. Vibrations are transferred to the electrodes during insertion. A vacuum assembly connects to the coupler and provides a negative pressure, or suction force, when a vacuum source is attached and activated. This suction force is sufficient to hold the implant to the distal end of the coupler. Deactivation of the vacuum source removes the suction force, causing the implant to detach from the coupler without perturbation of position. The insertion device may then be removed. A system to coordinate the operation of the actuator and movement of the device and/or tissue relative to one another for delivery of the implant is also provided.

Abstract: An insertion assembly for inserting a neural implant into target neural tissue. The insertion assembly includes a horn connecting to a vibrational actuator. A horn tip is configured to support an implant for insertion, such as the base of an implant having electrode(s). An implant stabilizer is displaceably affixed to the horn at a connection point for secure mounting while permitting flexing of the implant stabilizer. The implant stabilizer includes a first end positionable proximate to the horn tip and contacting the implant, and an opposite second end that may be selectively moved by force to adjust the position of the first end relative to the horn tip. A biasing member contacts the horn tip and first end of the implant stabilizer and urges the first end toward the horn tip to releaseably secure the implant to the horn tip. The biasing member may be selectively removed from the assembly.