Towards Safe Infrared Nerve Stimulation: A Systematic Experimental Approach.

Neural activation by infrared nerve stimulation (INS) gains growing interest as a potential alternative to conventional electric nerve stimulation, since unambiguous advantages like contact-free operation, enhanced spatial selectivity and lack of (electrical) stimulation artifacts are promising for both future electrophysiological research and clinical application. For the systematic investigation of laser nerve activation, we recently introduced a novel experimental approach. Comprising a defined focused beam profile, it enables remote controlled, contact-free pulsed laser stimulation of the rat sciatic nerve, simultaneous to high-speed temperature measurement in vivo.

Research platform for medical device development to simplify translation to the market.

New regulations for medical products complicate research projects for new application fields and translation of innovative product ideas to refundable medical products becomes a high economic risk. All this demands for a CE-marked platform, which offers the possibility to access the recorded data online or even directly the hardware during research applications, to bridge the gap. This paper describes how a CE-marked medical product can be extended by different interfaces to enable basic research or simplify first proof-of-concept studies thus optimizing prototype development in research projects, simplifying the documentation process and reducing the risk for market access.

Development of a simple low noise amplifier for recording of sensory mass signals from peripheral nerves.

In the present work, a simple low noise amplifier system with relatively few components for the recording of peripheral nerve signals via electrodes, such as cuff electrodes, was developed. The amplifier system was developed with the aid of a computer-aided characterization tool, which allowed the characterization of bioelectric signal amplifiers and the identification of system parameters. Three commercially available amplifier systems were investigated with this tool regarding their technical parameters.

A voltage-controlled current source with regulated electrode bias-voltage for safe neural stimulation.

A current source for neural stimulation is presented which converts arbitrary voltage signals to current-controlled signals while regulating the offset-voltage across the stimulation electrodes in order to keep the electrodes in an electrochemical state that allows for injecting a maximum charge. The offset-voltage can either be set to 0V or to a bias-voltage, e.g.

A naïve and fast human computer interface controllable for the inexperienced - a performance study.

We present a Human Computer Interface (HCI) which can be prepared in less than five minutes and reaches a high accuracy with naïve users. With additional learning the success rate increases drastically. Using the EOG for control of a cursor we show how the interface between man and machine can be established quickly.

A critical review of interfaces with the peripheral nervous system for the control of neuroprostheses and hybrid bionic systems.

Considerable scientific and technological efforts have been devoted to develop neuroprostheses and hybrid bionic systems that link the human nervous system with electronic or robotic prostheses, with the main aim of restoring motor and sensory functions in disabled patients. A number of neuroprostheses use interfaces with peripheral nerves or muscles for neuromuscular stimulation and signal recording. Herein, we provide a critical overview of the peripheral interfaces available and trace their use from research to clinical application in controlling artificial and robotic prostheses.