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Selective stimulation of facial muscles with a penetrating electrode array in the feline model
Author(s) -
Sahyouni Ronald,
Bhatt Jay,
Djalilian Hamid R.,
Tang William C.,
Middlebrooks John C.,
Lin Harrison W.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.26078
Subject(s) - medicine , facial muscles , facial nerve , stimulation , electromyography , electrode array , electrophysiology , trunk , anatomy , orbicularis oculi muscle , electrode , physical medicine and rehabilitation , surgery , biology , ecology , chemistry , eyelid
Objectives/Hypothesis Permanent facial nerve injury is a difficult challenge for both patients and physicians given its potential for debilitating functional, cosmetic, and psychological sequelae. Although current surgical interventions have provided considerable advancements in facial nerve rehabilitation, they often fail to fully address all impairments. We aim to introduce an alternative approach to facial nerve rehabilitation. Study Design Acute experiments in animals with normal facial function. Methods The study included three anesthetized cats. Four facial muscles ( levator auris longus, orbicularis oculi, nasalis, and orbicularis oris ) were monitored with a standard electromyographic (EMG) facial nerve monitoring system with needle electrodes. The main trunk of the facial nerve was exposed, and a 16‐channel penetrating electrode array was placed into the nerve. Electrical current pulses were delivered to each stimulating electrode individually. Elicited EMG voltage outputs were recorded for each muscle. Results Stimulation through individual channels selectively activated restricted nerve populations, resulting in selective contraction of individual muscles. Increasing stimulation current levels resulted in increasing EMG voltage responses. Typically, selective activation of two or more distinct muscles was successfully achieved via a single placement of the multi‐channel electrode array by selection of appropriate stimulation channels. Conclusion We have established in the animal model the ability of a penetrating electrode array to selectively stimulate restricted fiber populations within the facial nerve and to selectively elicit contractions in specific muscles and regions of the face. These results show promise for the development of a facial nerve implant system. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope , 2016 127:460–465, 2017