Advantages of voice reproduction and the development of a biomimetic self-regulating double-clack valve for a prosthesis of the larynx--a feasibility study.

The human larynx is a versatile organ. Main functions are phonation, protection and regulation of the air ways. Patients suffer severely from the diagnosis of a laryngeal carcinoma of the stages T3 and T4.

Intraoperative pelvic nerve stimulation performed under continuous electromyography of the internal anal sphincter.

Purpose: The aim of this animal study was to investigate the effect of intraoperative pelvic nerve stimulation on internal anal sphincter electromyographic signals in order to evaluate its possible use for neuromonitoring during nerve-sparing pelvic surgery.

Methods: Eight pigs underwent low anterior rectal resection. The intersphincteric space was exposed, and the internal (IAS) and external anal sphincter (EAS) were identified.

Electrode structures for acquisition and neural stimulation controlling the cardiovascular system.

In this study we present an innovative electrode system, for many different applications in the field of cardiovascular diseases. It is a combination of intelligent communicating dry-surface electrodes, which are able to interact with different sensors especially with an invasive, ultra flexible electrode-system. Dry and smart surface electrodes, which can be integrated in textiles and therefore such electrode are almost "invisible" for patients, are used for ECG acquisition and can be integrated in a communication network.

A flexible microelectrode for mouse EEG.

Electroencephalography (EEG) of the mouse brain offers the advantage to monitor brain states in freely moving conditions under genetic or molecular manipulation. We present a novel, flexible, and biocompatible microfabricated electrode based on polyimide to record a multi-channel EEG from a mouse. Our microelectrode has 32 recording electrodes, including two ground electrodes.

An optically powered single-channel stimulation implant as test system for chronic biocompatibility and biostability of miniaturized retinal vision prostheses.

A microsystem based microimplant with an optically powered single-channel stimulator was designed and developed as test system for an epi-retinal vision implant. Biostability of the hybrid assembly and the encapsulation materials were evaluated in pilot experiments in chronic implantations in a cat animal model. The implant was fabricated on a flexible polyimide substrate with integrated platinum electrode, interconnection lines, and contact pads for hybrid integration of electronic components.

Design, in vitro and in vivo assessment of a multi-channel sieve electrode with integrated multiplexer.

This paper reports on the design, in vitro and in vivo investigation of a flexible, lightweight, polyimide based implantable sieve electrode with a hybrid assembly of multiplexers and polymer encapsulation. The integration of multiplexers enables us to connect a large number of electrodes on the sieve using few input connections. The implant assembly of the sieve electrode with the electronic circuitry was verified by impedance measurement.