Interfacing electronic circuits to neural systems

Abstract

The application of electronic systems to restore or assist impaired functions in people with certain types of physical disability is a rapidly expanding area of biomedical engineering. Currently, the most widely used device designed to restore an impaired sensorineural function is the cochlear implant, which has proven to be an effective and safe treatment for many people with severe to profound deafness. Worldwide, there are now well over 30,000 adults and children who use cochlear implants to enhance their ability to communicate using spoken language, and to perceive environmental sounds. The tutorial presented here discusses some of the main issues involved in interfacing electronic circuits to the nervous system, and draws upon the substantial experience gained with cochlear implants over the past few decades for specific, practical examples.