Abstract: A micro-needle array having tips disposed along a non-planar surface is formed by shaping the wafer surface into a non-planar surface to define the tips of the micro-needles. A plurality of trenches are cut into the wafer to form a plurality of columns having tops corresponding to the non-planar surface. The columns are rounded and sharpened by etching to form the micro-needles.

Abstract: Methods and related systems for treating patients suffering from several disorders including bladder dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, and bowel elimination disorders are disclosed and described. The method can include identification of the disorder followed by the step of accessing a pudendal nerve of the patient. A microelectrode array having a plurality of electrodes thereon is inserted into the pudendal nerve of the patient. A controller is electronically associated with the microelectrode array which is programmed to provide selective activation and/or blocking of various muscles using the microelectrodes of the array. The selective stimulation can be tuned to selectively activate or block at least one muscle selected from the group consisting of the external urethral sphincter, the detrusor muscle, the anal sphincter, and the cavernous smooth musculature of the penis.

Abstract: An in-vivo implantable coil assembly includes a planar coil having at least one coil layer formed from conductive traces disposed in or on a polymer matrix. A ferrite platelet is bonded to a surface of the polymer matrix. Methods of making and using the in-vivo implantable coil assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid optical-electrical neural interface is disclosed and described. The neural interface can include an array (100) having a plurality of micro-optrodes (HO). The micro-optrodes (110) are capable of optical and optionally electrical stimulation and recording, allowing bidirectional, multi-modal communication with neural tissue. At least a portion of the plurality of micro-optrodes (110) are independently optically addressable and include an optical waveguide along each micro-optrode (HO). Combining optical stimulation with electrical recording can allow artifact-free recording from nearby electrodes and in some cases even the same electrode, which is difficult to achieve with combined electrical recording and stimulation. The optical waveguide is configured to direct light towards a distal end (125) of the micro-optrode, allowing focal stimulation and recording. Penetrating micro-optrodes (110) can allow access to deep tissue, while non-penetrating micro-optrodes can be used for extraneural stimulation.

Abstract: A microelectrode array system used to sense physiological signals and stimulate physiological tissue to form signals is disclosed. The array includes a dielectric substrate and a two dimensional array of signal microelectrodes substantially perpendicular to and integrated on the dielectric substrate. At least one reference microelectrode is located adjacent to and integrated with the signal microelectrodes on the dielectric substrate. The reference microelectrodes are positioned on the dielectric substrate relative to the signal microelectrodes to enable a reduced level of electrical noise to be detected between the reference microelectrodes and the recording microelectrodes.

Abstract: An insertion device for inserting a therapeutic device into organic tissue is disclosed and described. The device is particularly suited to insertion of such as nerve stimulating electrode arrays. The insertion device has at least one controllable positive pressure source (greater than atomospheric), two vacuum sources and a dual vacuum pressure control system. The positive pressure and the dual vacuum pressure control systems are manipulated to allow the manipulation and insertion or retrieval of a therapeutic device. The insertion device can be spatially manipulated by hand, without requiring other equipment for positioning the insertion device.

Abstract: An insertion device for inserting a therapeutic device into organic tissue is disclosed and described. The device is particularly suited to insertion of such as nerve stimulating electrode arrays. The insertion device has at least one controllable positive pressure source (greater than atomospheric), two vacuum sources and a dual vacuum pressure control system. The positive pressure and the dual vacuum pressure control systems are manipulated to allow the manipulation and insertion or retrieval of a therapeutic device. The insertion device can be spatially manipulated by hand, without requiring other equipment for positioning the insertion device.

Abstract: Methods for wafer-scale fabrication of needle arrays can include mechanically modifying a wafer to produce a plurality of vertically-extending columns. The columns are etched to round and reshape the columns into substantially uniformly shaped needles. Needle arrays having needle width non-uniformity of less than about 3% and length non-uniformity of less than about 2% can be produced.

Abstract: Methods for wafer-scale fabrication of needle arrays can include mechanically modifying a wafer to produce a plurality of vertically-extending columns. The columns are etched to round and reshape the columns into substantially uniformly shaped needles. Needle arrays having needle width non-uniformity of less than about 3% and length non-uniformity of less than about 2% can be produced.

Abstract: The present invention provides microelectrode array stabilizing devices and associated methods. A microelectrode array stabilizing device includes a first microelectrode array substrate having a plurality of first microelectrodes configured to penetrate tissue. A plurality of first interlocking structures are coupled to the first microelectrode array substrate, with each of the plurality of first interlocking structures including a first interlocking mechanism at a distal end. The device may further include a second microelectrode array substrate which optionally has a plurality of second microelectrodes configured to penetrate tissue. A plurality of second interlocking structures are coupled to the second microelectrode array substrate, each of the plurality of second interlocking structures including a second interlocking mechanism at a distal end. The second interlocking mechanism is complimentary to the first interlocking mechanism.

Abstract: A microelectrode array system used to sense physiological signals and stimulate physiological tissue to form signals is disclosed. The array includes a dielectric substrate and a two dimensional array of signal microelectrodes substantially perpendicular to and integrated on the dielectric substrate. At least one reference microelectrode is located adjacent to and integrated with the signal microelectrodes on the dielectric substrate. The reference microelectrodes are positioned on the dielectric substrate relative to the signal microelectrodes to enable a reduced level of electrical noise to be detected between the reference microelectrodes and the recording microelectrodes.

Abstract: An insertion device for inserting a therapeutic device into organic tissue is disclosed and described. The device is particularly suited to insertion of such as nerve stimulating electrode arrays. The insertion device has at least one controllable positive pressure source (greater than atomospheric), two vacuum sources and a dual vacuum pressure control system. The positive pressure and the dual vacuum pressure control systems are manipulated to allow the manipulation and insertion or retrieval of a therapeutic device. The insertion device can be spatially manipulated by hand, without requiring other equipment for positioning the insertion device.

Abstract: Interconnect metallization schemes and devices for flip chip bonding are disclosed and described. Metallization schemes include an adhesion layer, a diffusion barrier layer, a wetable layer, and a wetting stop layer. Various thicknesses and materials for use in the different layers are disclosed and are particularly useful for metallization in implantable electronic devices such as neural electrode arrays.

Abstract: A micro-needle array having tips disposed along a non-planar surface is formed by shaping the wafer surface into a non-planar surface to define the tips of the micro-needles. A plurality of trenches are cut into the wafer to form a plurality of columns having tops corresponding to the non-planar surface. The columns are rounded and sharpened by etching to form the micro-needles.

Abstract: A method of masking high-aspect ratio structures on a wafer includes submerging the wafer in a resist material so that the high-aspect ratio structures are at least partially embedded within the resist material. The resist material is cured and further processing steps, such as for example oxygen plasma etching, are applied, for example to remove portions of the resist material and material from upper portions of the high-aspect ratio structures.

Abstract: Methods for wafer-scale fabrication of needle arrays can include mechanically modifying a wafer to produce a plurality of vertically-extending columns. The columns are etched to round and reshape the columns into substantially uniformly shaped needles. Needle arrays having needle width non-uniformity of less than about 3% and length non-uniformity of less than about 2% can be produced.

Abstract: Interconnect metallization schemes and devices for flip chip bonding are disclosed and described. Metallization schemes include an adhesion layer, a diffusion barrier layer, a wettable layer, and a wetting stop layer. Various thicknesses and materials for use in the different layers are disclosed and are particularly useful for metallization in implantable electronic devices such as neural electrode arrays.

Abstract: An in-vivo implantable coil assembly includes a planar coil having at least one coil layer formed from conductive traces disposed in or on a polymer matrix. A ferrite platelet is bonded to a surface of the polymer matrix. Methods of making and using the in-vivo implantable coil assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: The specification discloses an impact inserter for implanting a biomedical device such as a three-dimensional electrode device into a biological tissue. An electrode device useful as a neuron interface or as a cortical implant, and which may be implanted using the inserter, is also disclosed. The inserter includes an impact transfer mass for placement in contact with the rear side of the biomedical device, and a piston mechanism operably arranged and configured to strike the impact transfer mass.

Abstract: A three-dimensional electrode device is disclosed. The device is useful as a neuron interface or as a cortical implant. A plurality of spire-shaped electrodes, formed of semiconductor material, are associated with a rigid base. The electrodes are electrically isolated from each other at the base. Multiplexing circuitry allows the electrodes to be addressed individually.