Credit: SciTechDaily.comCambridge scientists have actually developed flexible, minimally invasive devices that can cover around nerves, using new ways to deal with neurological conditions and control prosthetics.Researchers have actually established small, flexible gadgets that can cover around individual nerve fibers without harmful them.The researchers, from the University of Cambridge, combined versatile electronic devices and soft robotics methods to establish the devices, which could be used for the medical diagnosis and treatment of a range of disorders, including epilepsy and chronic pain, or the control of prosthetic limbs.Advancements in Peripheral Nerve InterfacesCurrent tools for interfacing with the peripheral nerves– the 43 pairs of motor and sensory nerves that link the brain and the spinal cable– are outdated, large, and bring a high risk of nerve injury. The robotic nerve cuffs developed by the Cambridge group are delicate enough to grasp or cover around delicate nerve fibers without triggering any damage.Tests of the nerve cuffs in rats revealed that the gadgets just need small voltages to change shape in a controlled way, forming a self-closing loop around nerves without the requirement for surgical stitches or glues.Potential Applications and BenefitsThe scientists say the combination of soft electrical actuators with neurotechnology could be a response to minimally invasive monitoring and treatment for a variety of neurological conditions.”Challenges and Innovations in Nerve Cuff Design”Nerve cuffs that cover around nerves are the least invasive implants presently offered, however in spite of this they are still too large, stiff, and tough to implant, needing considerable handling and potential injury to the nerve,” stated co-author Dr. Damiano Barone from Cambridges Department of Clinical Neurosciences.The scientists designed a brand-new type of nerve cuff made from carrying out polymers, generally used in soft robotics.
Credit: SciTechDaily.comCambridge researchers have actually developed versatile, minimally invasive devices that can cover around nerves, providing brand-new methods to deal with neurological conditions and control prosthetics.Researchers have actually established small, flexible devices that can wrap around specific nerve fibers without destructive them.The researchers, from the University of Cambridge, integrated soft robotics and versatile electronic devices techniques to develop the devices, which might be used for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions, including epilepsy and persistent discomfort, or the control of prosthetic limbs.Advancements in Peripheral Nerve InterfacesCurrent tools for interfacing with the peripheral nerves– the 43 pairs of motor and sensory nerves that connect the brain and the spinal cable– are dated, bulky, and carry a high risk of nerve injury. The robotic nerve cuffs established by the Cambridge team are delicate enough to cover or grasp around delicate nerve fibers without triggering any damage.Tests of the nerve cuffs in rats showed that the devices just require tiny voltages to alter shape in a regulated way, forming a self-closing loop around nerves without the need for surgical stitches or glues.Potential Applications and BenefitsThe scientists state the mix of soft electrical actuators with neurotechnology could be an answer to minimally intrusive tracking and treatment for a range of neurological conditions. Nerve tracking is also a basic surgical procedure when running in locations of the body including a high concentration of nerve fibers, such as anywhere near the spinal cord.These implants allow direct access to nerve fibers, but they come with certain threats.”Challenges and Innovations in Nerve Cuff Design”Nerve cuffs that cover around nerves are the least invasive implants presently readily available, however despite this they are still too bulky, stiff, and challenging to implant, requiring considerable handling and prospective trauma to the nerve,” stated co-author Dr. Damiano Barone from Cambridges Department of Clinical Neurosciences.The researchers developed a new type of nerve cuff made from carrying out polymers, generally used in soft robotics.