ABSTRACT
Research on interfaces to the nervous system is driven by application needs and knowledge about the performance, effects, and side effects of existing devices. Transversal intrafascicular multichannel electrodes have been developed using state-of-the-art micromachining technologies. This chapter presents the different designs of the implantable thin film electrode array, cable and connector development, and the assembling of components into implantable devices. As a last step towards translational research and human clinical trials, implantable devices have been fabricated under a quality management system to meet the essential requirements of active implantable medical device regulations. When manufacturing chronic implants, many different considerations have to be taken into account like the overall design, encapsulation, choice of materials, cleaning protocols, and handling. Helically wound cables connect the polyimide-based thin-film electrode via an adapter with the extracorporal stimulation equipment in the human clinical trial in a percutaneous way.
