A microfabricated interface for neural recording and stimulation

Neural interlaces are microfabricated systems able to record and to stimulate regenerated and intact nerves. We present herein a microdevice fabricated in the framework of the ESPRIT INTER project 8897 which seems particularly attractive for basic research in neurophysiology and even for future clinical applications. The microsystem is a hybrid device comprising a silicon die, incorporating electrodes to establish electrical connection with the regenerated nerve, housed in a polymer guidance channel and connected to an implanted signal preprocessing integrated unit. The fabrication of microsystem components, their assembly and recent in vivo results are described.