Long-term upper-extremity prosthetic control using regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces and implanted EMG electrodes

Objective. Extracting signals directly from the motor system poses challenges in obtaining both high amplitude and sustainable signals for upper-limb neuroprosthetic control. To translate neural interfaces into the clinical space, these interfaces must provide consistent signals and prosthetic performance. Approach. Previously, we have demonstrated that the Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI) is a biologically stable, bioamplifier of efferent motor action potentials. Here, we assessed the signal reliability from electrodes surgically implanted in RPNIs and residual innervated muscles in humans for long-term prosthetic control. Main results. RPNI signal quality, measured as signal-to-noise ratio, remained greater than 15 for up to 276 and 1054 d in participant 1 (P1), and participant 2 (P2), respectively. Electromyography from both RPNIs and residual muscles was used to decode finger and grasp movements. Though signal amplitude varied between sessions, P2 maintained real-time prosthetic performance above 94% accuracy for 604 d without recalibration. Additionally, P2 completed a real-world multi-sequence coffee task with 99% accuracy for 611 d without recalibration. Significance. This study demonstrates the potential of RPNIs and implanted EMG electrodes as a long-term interface for enhanced prosthetic control.

Automated summary

By implanting electrodes in RPNI and muscles, stable and high amplitude signals can be obtained for long-term prosthetic control. The signal quality remained consistent for up to 276 and 1054 days in P1 and P2 respectively. P2 maintained high accuracy for real-time prosthetic control for 604 days and performed a real-world multi-sequence coffee task with 99% accuracy for 611 days.