Does multipolar stimulation enhance selectivity of the TIME electrode? A simulation study using a genetic algorithm

Neural interfaces are aimed at creating an intimate contact with neural cells, either to stimulate the nerves or to record neural signals. This would allow the development of effective neurocontrolled artificial devices. Multipolar intraneural electrodes are developed to selectively control different muscles. In particular, the new Transversal Intraneural Multichannel Electrode (TIME) is able to selectively stimulate different muscle groups with different active sites. In order to assess the potential improvements of multipolar stimulation with TIME electrodes, a simulation study has been carried out by combining a Finite Element/NEURON model of the rat sciatic nerve together with a genetic algorithm to find the best current configuration for a tripolar stimulation. The results show that a modest improvement of selectivity can be achieved by using multipolar stimulation.