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Microribbon Cables for Neuroprosthetic Devices

Current neural probes for electrical stimulation of the brain commonly employ either a silicon cable and probe or a silicon/polyimide hybrid assembly. The silicon assembly is difficult to handle and can break easily, particularly as lengths increase. Researchers are investigating flexible polyimide cables to interconnect silicon probes to a percutaneous (through the skin) connector. However, polyimide can be stiff and weakens over time, making it unsuitable for long-term implantation.

Foster-Miller, in collaboration with InnerSea Technology, is developing microribbon cables made from LCP that will replace silicon and polyimide cables in neural prostheses. In addition to their excellent electrical properties, LCPs have barrier properties comparable to glass, several orders of magnitude greater than most other polymers, thus offering the potential of a plastic hermetic packaging technology, a truly revolutionary concept with far-reaching benefits in the field of neurophysiology.

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