Many electrophysiological experiments require the recording, stimulating, or both in the peripheral nervous system. There are many electrodes currently on the market, but they are either not designed for implantation or are not robust enough to be used multiple times in situ. The cost of buying these electrodes from a manufacturer can be prohibitive and many labs prefer to make their own. This introduces variability between studies, as different techniques and configurations in the design and fabrication of electrodes can create variance in electrical impedance, spatial arrangement, or other factors. This paper presents a detailed methodology for the construction of electrodes that are robust, have uniform impedance values of Z = 2.38 ± 0.906 kΩ. at 1 kHz alternating current (AC), and can be used in multiple in vitro or in situ experiments, or for chronic implantation in vivo. This method will reduce the amount of time and material needed to construct electrodes for experimental studies in animals.

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an approved therapy for patients suffering from refractory epilepsy. While VNS is currently an open loop system, making the system closed loop can improve the therapeutic efficacy. Electrical recording of peripheral nerve activity using a nerve cuff electrode is a potential long-term solution for implementing a closed-loop controlled VNS system. However, the clinical utility of this approach is significantly limited by various factors, such as poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the recorded electroneurogram (ENG). In this study, we investigated the effects of (1) modifying the electrode contact dimensions, (2) implementing an external shielding layer on the nerve cuff electrode and (3) exploring shielded bipolar nerve cuff designs on the recorded ENG. Findings from both computer simulations and animal experiments suggest that significant improvements in peripheral nerve recordings can be achieved.

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an approved therapy for patients suffering from refractory epilepsy. While VNS is currently an open loop system, making the system closed loop can improve the therapeutic efficacy. Electrical recording of peripheral nerve activity using a nerve cuff electrode is a potential long-term solution for implementing a closed-loop controlled VNS system. However, the clinical utility of this approach is significantly limited by various factors, such as poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the recorded electroneurogram (ENG). In this study, we investigated the effects of (1) modifying the electrode contact dimensions, (2) implementing an external shielding layer on the nerve cuff electrode and (3) exploring shielded bipolar nerve cuff designs on the recorded ENG. Findings from both computer simulations and animal experiments suggest that significant improvements in peripheral nerve recordings can be achieved.

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