Abstract: A biocompatible soft pressure sensor comprises: a stretchable top electrode comprising a first elastomeric substrate and a first biocompatible conducting polymer coated on an inner surface of the first elastomeric substrate; a stretchable bottom electrode comprising a second elastomeric substrate including a textured inner surface comprising an array of peaked structures, and a second biocompatible conducting polymer coated on the textured inner surface, where a coated tip of each peaked structure is in contact with the first biocompatible conducting polymer; a top encapsulation layer on an outer surface of the first elastomeric substrate; and a bottom encapsulation layer on an outer surface of the second elastomeric substrate. A resistance measured by the biocompatible soft pressure sensor changes upon exposure to an external pressure.

Abstract: Breast reconstruction and/or mastectomy may be performed to treat or prevent breast cancer or for a variety of other purposes. These procedures can result in disruption of the innervation of the breast, leading to loss of sensation. This loss of sensation can lead to diminishment of sexual function, sexual dysfunction, or other undesired effects. Devices and methods are provided for quantitatively assessing the tactile acuity of the breast at multiple locations. These embodiments can be applied to assess the natural acuity of the breast to design or calibrate an implanted system for restoring perception in the post-reconstruction breast. These embodiments can be also applied to assess the change in the perceptual acuity of the breast due to reconstruction or some other surgical intervention.

Abstract: Breast reconstruction and/or mastectomy may be performed to treat or prevent breast cancer or for a variety of other purposes. These procedures can result in disruption of the innervation of the breast, leading to loss of sensation. This loss of sensation can lead to diminishment of sexual function, sexual dysfunction, or other undesired effects. To restore the lost sensory function, an implanted system is provided. The system includes a sensor configured to detect one or more of pressure, stain, or vibration. The detected input is used to determine a stimulus, and the stimulus is provided to one or more of the intercostal nerves to restore sensation.

Abstract: A system for simulating biofidelic signals includes a transducer and a neural transmitter port. The transducer is affected by a parameter and provides an alternating electrical signal based on an effect of the parameter. The neural transmitter port receives a processed electrical signal and outputs the processed electrical to a neural transmitter. The system further includes an input portion, a band-pass filter, and an integrate-and-fire mechanism. The input portion outputs a first signal based on the alternating electrical signal. The band-pass filter outputs a first filtered signal based on the first signal. The integrate-and-fire mechanism generates the processed electrical signal based on the first filtered signal.