A mechanically stable neural probe for percutaneous high-resolution, multichannel recordings in peripheral nerves

Abstract

The development of neural probes has enabled a deeper understanding and improved treatment for neurological disorders. Microneurography is currently the gold standard for assessing the electrophysiological signature of pain mechanisms in the human peripheral nervous system. However, its clinical utility is limited by the low recording yield and signal-to-noise ratio of single-electrode probes. To overcome these limitations, we developed mechanically robust, multi-electrode probes designed for acute percutaneous insertion and recording in peripheral nerves. The electrical and mechanical stability of these probes was confirmed through repeated insertions in artificial human skin and rat peripheral nerves. In addition, ex vivo and in vivo experiments demonstrated enhanced functional performance, with multi-site recordings enabling the isolation of single-fiber activity. Importantly, our probes can be operated analogously to conventional microneurography needles while substantially increasing the information yield, providing enhanced capabilities for minimally invasive peripheral nerve assessment.