Minimally Invasive Neural Interfaces

Feb 16, 2026 · 1 min read

Overview

In traditional spinal cord stimulation, paddle electrodes (~12mm diameter) allow targeted epidural 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.

Minimally Invasive Deployment
Minimally invasive deployment procedure

Paddle Actuation
Pneumatic paddle actuation mechanism

Electrode Expansion Sequence
Electrode expanding from needle-size to paddle configuration

B. J. Woodington et al. Electronics with shape actuation for minimally invasive spinal cord stimulation. Sci. Adv. 7, eabg7833 (2021). DOI:10.1126/sciadv.abg7833

L. Coles et al. Origami-inspired soft fluidic actuation for minimally invasive large-area electrocorticography. Nat. Commun. 15, 6290 (2024). DOI:10.1038/s41467-024-50597-2

Minimally Invasive Neural Interfaces Spinal Cord Stimulation Shape Actuation Flexible Bioelectronics