Peripheral nerve interfaces play a central role in bioelectronic medicine. Since the early foundational experiments of Luigi Galvani in the 1770s, there have been over 250 years of development in electrical neuromodulation. Even so, current clinical approaches to interface with peripheral nerves are limited. Bioelectronic interfaces for small, branched nerves are of increasing interest to unlock new therapies and minimize off-target effects. This is facilitated by our growing understanding of peripheral nervous system physiology and advances in new materials and technologies. Therefore, this review examines historical and recent developments in FDA-approved peripheral nerve interfaces and investigational interfaces with an emphasis on approaches to target smaller nerves. Unmet needs in small nerve peripheral nerve interfaces are highlighted, followed by an examination of new strategies being pursued to address them. To conclude, ongoing challenges are summarized, revealing opportunities and prospects for future advancements.
Li et al. (Sat,) studied this question.