A Bone-Anchored Percutaneous Connector System for Neural Prosthetic Applications

Abstract

A percutaneous connector system has been developed for use in neural prosthetic applications. It is based on a skin-penetrating, bone-anchored titanium pedestal, housing an 11-channel electrode array. Initial applications for the system are in audiology and, as such, the proposed fixture site is in the temporal bone. The titanium pedestal is based on existing design features of the EPI Bioglass® implant, developed by University College London (UCL), and the Brånemark System®, employed by Nobel Biocare AB. The electrode array, consisting of platinum wires in a silicone carrier, can be custom designed to suit the application. The design features of the connector system are reviewed. Animal studies have been used to assess soft tissue reactions and the osseointegration of the pedestal. The histological data are presented. The pedestal, electrode array and the mating external connector are currently undergoing mechanical and electrical testing. The percutaneous connector system will undergo clinical trials, initially in the study of tinnitus (employing stimulation via an extracochlear electrode), and as part of a cochlear implant system (using a multichannel intracochlear electrode array and digital signal processing techniques).

Bioactive Glasses: Where Are We and Where Are We Going?

“…Similar to MEP ® , Bioglass ® -EPI was taken off the market, too, in the late 1990s, as a result of the risks associated with glass dissolution over time. For this reason, the 45S5 Bioglass ® sleeve was replaced by a titanium peg in the next-generation design [ 23 ].…”

Selective Contribution of Bioactive Glasses to Molecular and Cellular Pathways

“…Bioglass-EPI (extracochlear percutaneous implant) is also another bioglass-based scaffold that commercialized for anchoring cochlear implants to the temporal bone of severely deaf patients . After some years, the fabrication of this product has been also stopped owing to the dissolution risks . Subsequently, Endosseous Ridge Maintenance Implant (ERMI) has been introduced to the market for using in dental regeneration applications.…”

“…163 After some years, the fabrication of this product has been also stopped owing to the dissolution risks. 164 Subsequently, Endosseous Ridge Maintenance Implant (ERMI) has been introduced to the market for using in dental regeneration applications. A five-year follow-up investigation of this implant proved its high stability and safety.…”

Bioactive Glasses in Dental Applications (Literature Review)

“…Once in a while, bioactive glass powders are required for some clinical applications, for example, treatment of periodontal injuries. In customary glass innovation, the liquid glass is filled with water or other fluid medium to deliver little parts [6]. To accomplish powders with explicit estimate ranges for periodontal treatment, consequent crushing is fundamental.…”