Implantable myoelectric sensors (IMESs) for intramuscular electromyogram recording

We have developed a multichannel electrogmyography sensor system capable of receiving and processing signals from up to 32 implanted myoelectric sensors (IMES). The appeal of implanted sensors for myoelectric control is that electromyography (EMG) signals can be measured at their source providing relatively cross-talk-free signals that can be treated as independent control sites. An external telemetry controller receives telemetry sent over a transcutaneous magnetic link by the implanted electrodes. The same link provides power and commands to the implanted electrodes. Wireless telemetry of EMG signals from sensors implanted in the residual musculature eliminates the problems associated with percutaneous wires, such as infection, breakage, and marsupialization. Each implantable sensor consists of a custom-designed application-specified integrated circuit that is packaged into a bio-compatible RF BION capsule from the Alfred E. Mann Foundation. Implants are designed for permanent long-term implantation with no servicing requirements. We have a fully operational system. The system has been tested in animals. Implants have been chronically implanted in the legs of three cats and are still completely operational four months after implantation

Implantable Myoelectric Sensors (IMES)

We are developing a multi-channel/multifunction prosthetic hand/arm controller system capable of receiving and processing signals from up to sixteen Implanted MyoElectric Sensors (IMES). The appeal of implanted sensors for myoelectric control is that EMG signals can be measured at their source providing relatively cross-talk free signals that can be treated as independent control sites. Therefore the number of degrees-of-freedom that can be simultaneously controlled and coordinated in an externally-powered prosthesis will be greater than with surface EMG or mechanical control sites. To explore the issue of intra-muscular signal independence and the ability to control them, human subject experiments have been performed in which intra-muscular EMGs were obtained. Choice of muscles was based on a desire to be able to independently control a two degree-of-freedom (DOF) wrist, and 3 DOF prosthetic hand. This paper provide our result so far