Forensic Analysis of Retrieved Utah Electrode Arrays Following Implantation into Rat Cortex

摘要

This study showed that the tissue response associated with UEA is similar to the FBR of single shank monolithic devices. Explanted UEAs exhibited a layer of macrophages; which are believed to play a major role through their release of soluble pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines such as MCP-1 and TNF-α. These soluble factors may reach high local concentrations, remodel tissue and drive the FBR due to only one direction for diffusion at the device interface. This high relative abundance of macrophages may contribute to a high overall inflammatory burden. Fully understanding the characteristics of the FBR will allow for informed device design, which in turn may result in improved consistency and longevity.