Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display
Faculty of Medical Sciences

Contralaterally Triggered Functional Electrical Stimulation: Restoration of Symmetrical Whisker Movements in a Rodent Model of Facial Paralysis.

Vries, J. de (Julius) (2015) Contralaterally Triggered Functional Electrical Stimulation: Restoration of Symmetrical Whisker Movements in a Rodent Model of Facial Paralysis. thesis, Medicine.

[img] Text
VriesdeJ.pdf
Restricted to Registered users only

Download (9MB)

Abstract

Dynamic reanimation of the paralyzed face has not been satisfactory yet. One promising paradigm is functional electrical stimulation of facial muscle triggered by the homologue electromyographic activity. This has been proven successful in earlier investigations. Due to constantly changing muscle and electrode characteristics, artificial neural networks will likely be needed to perfectly reanimate the face. We aimed to develop an experimental model for further investigation of facial reanimation with a neuroprosthesis. Four Sprague Dawley rats underwent unilateral transection of the buccal and marginal mandibular branches of the facial nerve. Rats were chronically implanted with a connector and electrodes into bilateral facial muscles that move the vibrissae. An apparatus was developed to simultaneously monitor precise whisker motion, electromyography and electrically stimulate facial muscles. An experimental closed-loop system was built to trigger muscle stimulation off the electromyography of contralateral homologue muscle. Symmetry of vibrissae motion was assessed by cross-correlation of averaged protractions. An experimental model of contralaterally triggered functional electrical stimulation in rodents was established. We restored significant function to the whisker pad in at least two rodents. In our final rat, left and right whisker motion correlated with a maximum r=0,5178 at a peak lag of only 19 ms, indistinguishable with the naked eye. Symmetry of facial muscle movements can be restored using a simple closed-loop triggered electrical stimulation system. Ideally, error feedback will update a neural network running on the controller. We now have an excellent experimental animal model that allows for further investigation of artificial neural networks and controlling algorithms.

Item Type: Thesis (Thesis)
Supervisor name: Groen, Rob J.M. M.D. Ph.D.
Supervisor name: Lucas, Timothy H. M.D. Ph.D. and Richardson, Andrew G. M.Sc. Ph.D. and University of Pennsylvania
Faculty: Medical Sciences
Date Deposited: 25 Jun 2020 11:01
Last Modified: 25 Jun 2020 11:01
URI: https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2160

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item