Wireless single channel sensor for targeted muscle reinnervation
Abstract
Targeted muscle reinnervation is a new surgical procedure performed to work in conjunction with electromyography (EMG) sensors to allow amputees to neurally control an upper-limb prosthetic. When a portion of the patient’s upper-limb is removed, the remaining muscles are then segmented and the severed nerves are surgically inserted into these muscles. After healing from this procedure, the nerves will grow into these muscles and reinnervate them. When the patient attempts to move the amputated portion of the arm, the patient will instead experience these muscle contractions. Currently, surface electrodes are being used to acquire these EMG signals and send them to a microcontroller that can then translate this data into information that controls the prosthetic arm. Unfortunately, this system is unstable due to the constraints of having surface EMG electrodes. Throughout daily activities, these electrodes move and shift on the skin, compromising the calibration of the system. Therefore, a solution has been developed that will eliminate these problems by creating an injectable EMG electrode. The overall device consists of three major components. The circuitry wirelessly powers the system, acquires the data from muscles, and wirelessly transmits this data. The packaging is designed to cause only minimal scar tissue formation and allows the device to be injectable. Finally, the data processing shows that the data being received from the EMG sensor can be processed, filtered, and graphed in order to recreate the input signal. The electrical system has successfully been created and is currently in the process of being miniaturized. Different methods of packaging have also been attempted with success. Finally, the data processing has been able to successfully recreate input waveforms. The integration of these three subsystems is still in progress, but the data and prototyping suggests that creating a fully wireless implantable EMG sensor is a reasonable goal that can be reached.
Degree
M.S.B.M.E.
Advisors
Irazoqui, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Biomedical engineering
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