A transcutaneous wire interface for small mammals using an expanded PTFE patch

The objective of this paper is to provide the reader with a method of surgical implantation of a transcutaneous wire interface for chronic instrumentation of small mammals, utilizing a non-bioreactive expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) material (W.L. Gore and Associates, Inc., Flagstaff, AZ). We describe the implant assembly, as well as details of the surgical implantation, which will facilitate successful data acquisition. EMG signal from the implant is of a high quality during both rest and activity of the animal and the signal quality is maintained up to at least 7 weeks post-implantation without any sign of infection or other adverse reaction. This represents an improvement in the viability of long-term physiological signal collection via a surgically implanted back plug.