Shape memory alloy microactuation of tf-lIFes: preliminary results

IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 2007 Jun;54(6 Pt 1):1115-20. doi: 10.1109/TBME.2007.895186.

Abstract

In this paper, a new approach aimed at improving the performance of intraneural longitudinal interfaces (tf-LIFEs) with the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is presented. Our goal is to develop a movable interface by embedding microactuators into the flexible tf-LIFEs structure. In this way, the optimal position of the electrical contacts can be searched inside the PNS and lost connections with neural cells could be replaced. For this purpose a thin film of shape memory alloy (tf-SMA) was selected. A multisegmented SMA was realized and embedded between two polyimide thin films in order to simulate the tf-LIFE structure. Thermal evaluation, fabrication procedure, the first characterization and preliminary experimental results of the new movable interface are described in the manuscript. A total controllable stroke of about 10 microm was obtained for the presented prototype.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alloys / chemistry*
  • Animals
  • Electrodes, Implanted*
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Humans
  • Microelectrodes*
  • Peripheral Nerves / physiology*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prosthesis Design

Substances

  • Alloys