NeuralGlider Inserter: Optimized Electrode Insertion

The NeuralGlider Inserter, developed by Actuated Medical in collaboration with NeuroNexus, leverages ultrasonic micro-vibrations to significantly improve neural implant insertions by reducing insertion forces, cortical dimpling, and subsequent tissue damage.

Key Advantages:

• Reduced Insertion Force: Micron-scale ultrasonic vibration drastically lowers force required for cortical penetration (86.3% reduction in agarose models, 76.5% ex vivo rat cortex, 62.7% ex vivo porcine cortex).
• Improved Accuracy: Enables precise, slow insertions (0.1 mm/s or slower), significantly reducing cortical displacement.
• Preserved Tissue Integrity: Minimizing tissue displacement enhances signal quality and reduces cortical surface damage and blood-brain barrier leakage, demonstrated by reduced IgG staining.
• Consistency and Standardization: Integrated software controls velocity and depth, ensuring consistent and reproducible insertions across experiments.
• Broad Compatibility: Custom couplers available to accommodate a wide array of commercial and custom-made neural implants. Engineering support included to develop specific couplers.

Scientific Validation:

• Empirical evidence from rat and porcine cortical models shows a significant reduction in penetration force and cortical displacement.
• In vivo testing demonstrates full penetration capabilities at ultra-slow insertion velocities (0.05 mm/s) with successful recording of spontaneous multi-unit neural activity.

Technical Features:

• Insertion Speed: Slow velocity insertions (down to 0.05 mm/s), ensuring gentle tissue interfacing.
• Vibration Mechanism: Ultrasonic micro-vibrations delivered via specialized coupler, securing neural implants using vacuum pressure during insertion.

Applications:

• Ideal for precise and delicate neural research, requiring minimally invasive electrode implantation.
• Suitable for acute and chronic implantation scenarios, enhancing experimental reproducibility and reliability.