Apparatus for providing an interface between a nerve and an external information system. The apparatus includes a substrate having a first surface, an opposite second surface, and an electrode body, wherein the electrode body includes a plurality of holes extending therethrough. The apparatus also includes a plurality of electrical leads embedded within the substrate and a plurality of ring electrodes, wherein each of the ring electrodes circumscribes a corresponding hole, and wherein at least a portion of the ring electrodes is positioned on each of the first surface and the second surface.