Normaal nerve function is restored across severed ends of a nerve fascicle by inserting between the severed ends a laminated chip perforated with an array of holes each sized to accommodate approximately one axon and each containing at least two electrically conductive regions in ohmic contact with the inner surface of the hole at discrete locations along the axial direction of the hole. Proximal axon segments are permitted to propagate through the holes to join distal segments in random fashion and to be in contact with each of the two electrical contucts. Each contact is part of a circuit pattern capable of monitoring impulses, applying blocking potentials and placing selected pairs of proximal and distal axon segments in electrical contact such that nerve impulses can be routed as desired to restore normal nerve impulse communication and hence nerve function.
MICROELECTRONIC AXON PROCESSOR