Comparison of Stimulation Selectivity in Monopolar and Bipolar Configuration Using the Transversal Intrafascicular Multichannel Electrode (TIME) - Preliminary Results

The Transversal Intrafascicular Multichannel Electrode (TIME) is intended to be implanted transversally in the nerve and address several fascicles or subgroups of nerve fibres with one device. It has been already shown that TIME allows to achieve high selectivity of stimulation when using monopolar configuration, i.e. when current is delivered through one of the sites of the TIME against small needle electrode placed in the proximity of the nerve. Results of the current study suggest that using bipolar configuration, i.e. when current is delivered through one of the TIME sites against an other site of the same electrode, could allow to further enhance selectivity of stimulation. However, higher charge of the stimulation may be necessary to achieve similar level of muscle activation, as compared to the monopolar configuration.