Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions are provided for implanting an implantable device into a biological tissue (e.g., muscle, brain). A subject implantable device includes: (i) a biocompatible substrate, (ii) a conduit (e.g., an electrode, a waveguide) that is disposed on the biocompatible substrate, and (iii) an engagement feature (e.g., a loop) for reversible engagement with an insertion needle. The biocompatible substrate can be flexible (e.g., can include polyimide). The implantable device is implanted using an insertion needle that includes an engagement feature corresponding to the engagement feature of the implantable device. To implant, an implantable device is reversibly engaged with an insertion needle, the device-loaded insertion needle is inserted into a biological tissue (e.g., to a desired depth), and the insertion needle is retracted, thereby disengaging the implantable device from the insertion needle and allowing the implantable device to remain implanted in the biological tissue.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the fabrication of microneedles. Microneedles fabricated according to the herein described methods will generally be constructed of multiple lengths of wire winded together, brazed and further manipulated to include a reversible engagement feature. The subject microneedles may find use in a variety of applications and, among other purposes, the reversible engagement feature of such a microneedle may by employed in implanting an implantable device into a biological tissue. Also provided are methods of inserting an implantable device into a biological tissue having an outer membrane. The subject methods may include ablating a section of the outer membrane and inserting the implantable device through the ablated section of outer membrane, including e.g., where the implantable device is inserted using a microneedle including e.g., those microneedles for which methods of fabrication are provided herein.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions are provided for implanting an implantable device into a biological tissue (e.g., muscle, brain). A subject implantable device includes: (i) a biocompatible substrate, (ii) a conduit (e.g., an electrode, a waveguide) that is disposed on the biocompatible substrate, and (iii) an engagement feature (e.g., a loop) for reversible engagement with an insertion needle. The biocompatible substrate can be flexible (e.g., can include polyimide). The implantable device is implanted using an insertion needle that includes an engagement feature corresponding to the engagement feature of the implantable device. To implant, an implantable device is reversibly engaged with an insertion needle, the device-loaded insertion needle is inserted into a biological tissue (e.g., to a desired depth), and the insertion needle is retracted, thereby disengaging the implantable device from the insertion needle and allowing the implantable device to remain implanted in the biological tissue.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions are provided for implanting an implantable device into a biological tissue (e.g., muscle, brain). A subject implantable device includes: (i) a biocompatible substrate, (ii) a conduit (e.g., an electrode, a waveguide) that is disposed on the biocompatible substrate, and (iii) an engagement feature (e.g., a loop) for reversible engagement with an insertion needle. The biocompatible substrate can be flexible (e.g., can include polyimide). The implantable device is implanted using an insertion needle that includes an engagement feature corresponding to the engagement feature of the implantable device. To implant, an implantable device is reversibly engaged with an insertion needle, the device-loaded insertion needle is inserted into a biological tissue (e.g., to a desired depth), and the insertion needle is retracted, thereby disengaging the implantable device from the insertion needle and allowing the implantable device to remain implanted in the biological tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods that use computer vision techniques in connection with robotic surgery are discussed. A robotic surgery system may include an implantable device engagement sub-system, a targeting sub-system, and/or an insertion verification sub-system. The system may use computer vision techniques to facilitate implanting a micro-manufactured bio-compatible electrode device in biological tissue (e.g., neurological tissue such as the brain) using robotic assemblies. The system can attach, via robotic manipulation, the electrode to an engagement element of an insertion needle.

Abstract: Disclosed are biocompatible multi-electrode devices capable of being implanted in sensitive tissue, such as the brain, and methods for fabricating such arrays. The disclosed arrays can be implanted in living biological tissue with a single needle insertion. The devices can include linear arrays with contacts along an edge, linear arrays with multiple electrodes per opening in a parylene support layer, multi-thread electrode arrays, tree-like electrode arrays, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, a compliant electrode apparatus can comprise a biocompatible and bio-implantable compliant dielectric having a top edge defined by a top and a side along a length of the dielectric, insulated electrical traces oriented along the length of the dielectric, and electrode contacts coupled to the traces and situated on the side along the length of the dielectric, wherein an exposed portion of a respective electrode contact protrudes beyond the top edge of the dielectric.

Abstract: Systems and methods that use computer vision techniques in connection with robotic surgery are discussed. A robotic surgery system may include an implantable device engagement sub-system, a targeting sub-system, and/or an insertion verification sub-system. The system may use computer vision techniques to facilitate implanting a micro-manufactured bio-compatible electrode device in biological tissue (e.g., neurological tissue such as the brain) using robotic assemblies. The system can attach, via robotic manipulation, the electrode to an engagement element of an insertion needle.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the fabrication of microneedles. Microneedles fabricated according to the herein described methods will generally be constructed of multiple lengths of wire winded together, brazed and further manipulated to include a reversible engagement feature. The subject microneedles may find use in a variety of applications and, among other purposes, the reversible engagement feature of such a microneedle may by employed in implanting an implantable device into a biological tissue. Also provided are methods of inserting an implantable device into a biological tissue having an outer membrane. The subject methods may include ablating a section of the outer membrane and inserting the implantable device through the ablated section of outer membrane, including e.g., where the implantable device is inserted using a microneedle including e.g., those microneedles for which methods of fabrication are provided herein.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions are provided for implanting an implantable device into a biological tissue (e.g., muscle, brain). A subject implantable device includes: (i) a biocompatible substrate, (ii) a conduit (e.g., an electrode, a waveguide) that is disposed on the biocompatible substrate, and (iii) an engagement feature (e.g., a loop) for reversible engagement with an insertion needle. The biocompatible substrate can be flexible (e.g., can include polyimide). The implantable device is implanted using an insertion needle that includes an engagement feature corresponding to the engagement feature of the implantable device. To implant, an implantable device is reversibly engaged with an insertion needle, the device-loaded insertion needle is inserted into a biological tissue (e.g., to a desired depth), and the insertion needle is retracted, thereby disengaging the implantable device from the insertion needle and allowing the implantable device to remain implanted in the biological tissue.

Abstract: Electronic components, including a transceiver (220) for two-way wireless communications, are carried by a freely roaming animal (190) such as a rat. Electrodes are implanted in the brain of the animal to provide cues and rewards to the animal to achieved desired behaviors, including controlling the direction and speed of movement of the animal, and training the animal to recognize odors. Network interface components (265) allow a network of the animals to work together. Sensors (225, 230, 235, 245, 255, 260) carried by the animal provide information to a remote base station regarding, e.g., heading and location. Chemical or gas sensors, along with a video camera and a microphone provide information regarding an environment of the animal. The animal can search for people buried in rubble piles, and detect explosives, chemicals or other dangerous materials. A vehicle (500) for deploying the animal is also provided.