Electronic Dura Mater Meddling in the Central Nervous System
Bloch J, Lacour SP, Courtine G
IMPORTANCE:
A growing number of neurologic treatments rely on neural implants capable of delivering electrical and chemical stimulation to targeted regions of the central nervous system for extended periods.
OBJECTIVE:
To assess the potential of a novel class of multimodal neural implants, termed electronic duramater or e-dura, to fulfill this need.
EVIDENCE REVIEW:
Results from preclinical applications of e-dura implants and clinical evidence.
FINDINGS:
The silicone-based implant e-dura embeds interconnects, electrodes, and chemotrodes that are entirely stretchable. These unique mechanical properties allow e-dura to conform to the circumvolutions of the brain and spinal cord without damaging neural tissues or triggering foreign body reactions.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:
Although challenges lie ahead to reach clinical fruition, the unique mechanical properties and integrated modalities of e-dura provide future opportunities to treat or alleviate neurologic deficits.