MINI - Minimally Invasive Neuromuscular Interface: A Handheld Device to Deploy Multiple Electrodes in Parallel to Target Locations
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Madinger-madinger-sm-meche-2025-thesis.pdf
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18.87 MB
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542473d767a4e468cdd00e55fa0d9293
Author(s)
Madinger, Alexander
Advisor(s)
Langer, Robert
Date Issued
September 2025
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Targeted intramuscular/epimysial electrodes offers higher resolution signals than surface electromyographic (EMG) sensors but are limited by the invasive (large incisions and significant dissection) and time-consuming nature of implantation. Consequently, most myoelectric prostheses today use surface EMG despite the superiority of intramuscular electrodes for high resolution and discretized EMG signals for prosthesis control. This sensor limitation continues to bottleneck high fidelity motor control of advanced prosthetics. The lack of an intramuscular electrode platform for less invasive and faster implantation has stifled innovation in neuromuscular electrical stimulation and myoelectric device control.
Presented below: a Minimally Invasive Neuromuscular Interface (MINI) capable of precisely inserting up to eight intramuscular electrodes from a single 5 mm percutaneous injection. The insertion tool houses a trajectory projection cap (TPC) which diverts intramuscular leads while they remain connected to a relay.
Materials and Methods: Tools were custom fabricated using computer-aided design (CAD), machining, and additive manufacturing. Stainless steel 76 µm leads were placed into the hindlimb muscles of sprague dawley rats (350-500 g, n = 7, MIT IACUC approved protocol 2205000362). The location and precision of placement was confirmed by dissection and image analysis (ImageJ) and MicroCT.
Results & Conclusions: MINI electrodes take an order of magnitude less time than contemporary electrode placement surgeries. Electrodes yielded high stability and contact for robust EMG signal capture and electrical stimulation at five weeks after implant. No perforation of vessels, tearing of tissues, or adverse consequences occurred. By enabling convenient and precise placement of intramuscular hardware, the MINI system creates new opportunities for advanced rehabilitative stimulation, prostheses, and exoskeletal devices.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
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