Pushing the Limits of ICMS for Tactile Feedback

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Speaker:
Charles Greenspon, a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago, uses intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) to restore the sense of touch to individuals with spinal cord injuries. His research focuses on designing spatiotemporal patterns of ICMS such that the sensations are both intuitive and informative. 

Presentation Overview:
Pairing intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) of somatosensory cortex with bionic limbs is one solution for restoring the sense of touch to those with amputations or spinal cord injuries. 

To facilitate bionic limb usage, we need to understand the capabilities and limitations of ICMS, including its precision for localization and force feedback. In a multi-site clinical study we study the ability of ICMS to be used to localize and discriminate ICMS-based feedback and find it lacking when individual electrodes are used. To solve this problem, we investigate the use of multi-electrode stimulation and find that the sensations represent the superposition of their components and can be used to deliver more focal sensations across a wider range of intensities. Finally, we invert this paradigm and show that careful electrode selection can be used to evoke specific shape or movement percepts across the skin. 

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The research publications listed on this website include studies conducted by independent academic researchers utilizing Blackrock Neurotech devices. These studies are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement by Blackrock Neurotech of any investigational device for clinical use. Blackrock Neurotech was not involved in the design, conduct, or conclusions of these independent studies.

These publications do not contain claims regarding the safety, efficacy, or regulatory status of any device. Any investigational devices referenced are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for commercial distribution or clinical use.

For information regarding regulatory status or intended use, please contact Blackrock Neurotech directly.

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