Minimally Invasive Neural Interfaces
Jan 21, 2026
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1 min read
Overview
In traditional spinal cord stimulation, paddle electrodes (~12mm diameter) allow targeted electrical stimulation but require high-risk implantation surgery. Conversely, percutaneous leads (<2mm diameter) can be inserted through needles under local anesthesia but provide limited spatial coverage with a risk of electrode migration.
Our design enables shape-morphing, pneumatically actuated paddle electrodes to be delivered through standard minimally invasive approaches, allowing targeted electrical stimulation while minimizing surgical risk.
Ben J. Woodington et al. Electronics with shape actuation for minimally invasive spinal cord stimulation.Sci. Adv.7,eabg7833(2021).DOI:10.1126/sciadv.abg7833