University of California

Neuralink, Corp.

Philip N Sabes

Timothy L Hanson

Michel Martin Maharbiz

Robin E Young

Joseph O'Doherty

Robin Young

Methods are provided for the fabrication of microneedles. Microneedles fabricated according to the herein described methods will generally be constructed of multiple lengths of wire winded together, brazed and further manipulated to include a reversible engagement feature. The subject microneedles may find use in a variety of applications and, among other purposes, the reversible engagement feature of such a microneedle may by employed in implanting an implantable device into a biological tissue. Also provided are methods of inserting an implantable device into a biological tissue having an outer membrane. The subject methods may include ablating a section of the outer membrane and inserting the implantable device through the ablated section of outer membrane, including e.g., where the implantable device is inserted using a microneedle including e.g., those microneedles for which methods of fabrication are provided herein.

Microneedle fabrication and device implantation

Methods, systems, and compositions are provided for implanting an implantable device into a biological tissue (e.g., muscle, brain). A subject implantable device includes: (i) a biocompatible substrate, (ii) a conduit (e.g., an electrode, a waveguide) that is disposed on the biocompatible substrate, and (iii) an engagement feature (e.g., a loop) for reversible engagement with an insertion needle. The biocompatible substrate can be flexible (e.g., can include polyimide). The implantable device is implanted using an insertion needle that includes an engagement feature corresponding to the engagement feature of the implantable device. To implant, an implantable device is reversibly engaged with an insertion needle, the device-loaded insertion needle is inserted into a biological tissue (e.g., to a desired depth), and the insertion needle is retracted, thereby disengaging the implantable device from the insertion needle and allowing the implantable device to remain implanted in the biological tissue.

Methods, compositions, and systems for device implantation

A system and method for implanting devices into biological tissue (e.g., brain tissue). The system may include a biocompatible probe, an integrated circuit (IC) chip tethered to the probe, a cartridge comprising a temporary attachment surface by which the probe is removably coupled to the cartridge, a needle to reversibly engage with the probe, a robotic arm to hold the needle, and a microprocessor controller. The microprocessor controller may control the robotic arm and the needle to remove the probe from the temporary attachment surface using the needle, pierce the biological tissue with the needle and the probe, withdraw the needle while leaving the probe within the biological tissue, and detach the IC chip from the cartridge, leaving the IC chip with the biological tissue.

Device implantation using a cartridge

Stimulation of nervous system components by electrodes can be used in many applications, including in the operation of brain-machine interfaces, bidirectional neural interfaces, and neuroprosthetics. The optimal operation of such systems requires a means of accurately measuring neural responses to such stimulations. However, currently the measurement of neural responses is difficult due to heavy stimulation artifacts arising from stimulatory pulses. The invention encompasses novel methods of estimating stimulation artifacts in measurements attained by recording electrodes and the effective removal of these artifacts. This provides improved neural recording systems and enables the deployment of closed-loop neural stimulation systems.

Removal of stimulation artifact in multi-channel neural recordings

A system and method for implanting devices into biological tissue (e.g., brain tissue). The system may include a biocompatible probe, an integrated circuit (IC) chip tethered to the probe, a cartridge comprising a temporary attachment surface by which the probe is removably coupled to the cartridge and a fastener for removably coupling the IC chip to the cartridge, a needle to reversibly engage with the probe, a robotic arm to hold the needle, a camera, and a microprocessor controller. The microprocessor controller may control the robotic arm and the needle using the to remove the probe from the temporary attachment surface using the needle, pierce the biological tissue with the needle and the probe, withdraw the needle while leaving the probe within the biological tissue; and detach the IC chip from the cartridge, leaving the IC chip with the biological tissue, the IC chip still tethered to the probe.

Growing community of inventors

San Francisco, CA, United States of America

Philip N Sabes