Patent US2186742A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US4878913A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4878913A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Devices for neural signal transmission
Assignee: BROWN UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION A RHODE ISLAND Corp
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Filing: 1987-09-04
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Granted: 1989-11-07
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Expires: 2007-09-04
Abstract
Abstract Devices and methods for transmitting neural signals from a proximal stump of a transected nerve to a prosthetic apparatus are disclosed employing microelectrodes, preferably conductive fiber networks, capable of sensing electrical signals from a nerve and transmitting such signals to a prosthetic apparatus; and a semipermeable guidance channel disposed about the microelectrodes. The channels include an opening adapted to receive the proximal stump of a transected nerve, such that the channel promotes the growth of the stump and the formation of an electrical connection between the transected nerve and the microelectrode.
Inventors
- 👤 Patrick Aebischer
- 👤 Robert F. Valentini
- 👤 Pierre M. Galletti
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 10:22
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/50; A61F2/68; A61F2/70; A61F2/72
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
A device for transmitting neural signals from a proximal stump of a transected nerve to a prosthetic apparatus, said transmission device comprising: a microelectrode capable of sensing electrical signals from a nerve and transmitting said signals to said prosthetic apparatus; and a guidance channel disposed about said microelectrode, comprising a tubular, semipermeable membrane and having a capped distal end and a proximal end which defines an opening adapted to receive a proximal stump of a transected nerve, whereby said channel promotes the growth of said stump, such that an electrical connection between said transected nerve and said microelectrode can be obtained.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
101 words
A device for transmitting neural signals from a proximal stump of a transected nerve to a prosthetic apparatus, said transmission device comprising: a microelectrode capable of sensing electrical signals from a nerve and transmitting said signals to said prosthetic apparatus; and a guidance channel disposed about said microelectrode, comprising a tubular, semipermeable membrane and having a capped distal end and a proximal end which defines an opening adapted to receive a proximal stump of a transected nerve, whereby said channel promotes the growth of said stump, such that an electrical connection between said transected nerve and said microelectrode can be obtained.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The transmission device of claim 1 wherein said microelectrode comprises a conductive fiber network.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The transmission device of claim 2 wherein the conductive fiber network further includes an array of parallel carbon fibers which traverse the nerve guidance channel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The transmission device of claim 3 wherein the carbon fibers range from about 10 microns to about 50 microns in diameter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The transmission device of claim 3 wherein the spacing between carbon fibers ranges from about 50 microns to about 500 microns.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The transmission device of claim 2 wherein the conductive fibers are platinum fibers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The transmission device of claim 2 wherein said conductive fiber network is mounted upon a yoke disposed about the channel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The transmission device of claim 7 wherein the yoke comprises an insulating biocompatible material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The transmission device of claim 7 wherein the yoke comprises a silicon material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The transmission device of claim 1 wherein said tubular membrane further includes a lumen ranging from about 0.5 millimeters to about 2.0 centimeters in diameter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The transmission device of claim 1 wherein said semipermeable channel has an upper limit on permeability ranging from about 5,000 to about 200,000 daltons in molecular weight.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
The transmission device of claim 1 wherein said semipermeable channel has an upper limit on permeability ranging from about 50,000 to about 150,000 daltons in molecular weight.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The transmission device of claim 1 wherein the device further includes at least one neurotropic material seeded within the channel.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The transmission device of claim 13 wherein the neurotropic material is selected from the group consisting of NGF, MDGF, PDGF, EDGF, FGF, laminin, fibronectin, and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The transmission device of claim 1 wherein the channel further comprises an acrylic copolymer material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
The transmission device of claim 1 wherein the guidance channel further comprises a porous outer membrane surface which permits capillary ingrowth, and a smooth inner membrane surface which permits regeneration of the nerve therethrough.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-11-06 | 1993-05-08 | 1993-11-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-11-06 | 1997-05-08 | 1997-11-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-11-06 | 2001-05-08 | 2001-11-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |