Adaptation and optimization of an intraneural electrode to interface with the cervical vagus nerve

The modulation of the cervical vagus nerve (VN) using neural electrodes has shown great potential to treat cardiovascular, inflammatory, intestinal, or respiratory dysfunctions. Intraneural electrodes have shown great potentials for other neuroprosthetic applications. Therefore, their use for VN modulation could have great potential. Here we optimized an intraneural electrode originally developed for use in lower limb amputees. Based on histological data from the VN of 100 histological sections we adapted and optimized the dimensions of the Quick-to-implant peripheral neural electrode (Q-PINE). Parts of the Q-PINE were substituted to increase biocompatibility. The platinum-iridium (Pt/Ir) wires were substituted with a polyimide thin-film structure to optimize the electrodes' impedance. Mechanical and electrochemical characterization was performed to exclude negative alterations resulting from the design and material changes. The dimensional adaptation and material substitutions of the Q-PINE did not alter its mechanical or electrochemical properties. The tf-QPINE shows promising results for the successful application with the VN.