Deep Brain Microelectrode Array For Functional Neurosurgery

描述（由申请人提供）：神经外科干预正在成为各种难治性神经系统疾病的治疗方法，包括运动障碍、疼痛和癫痫。目前用于优化立体定向靶向神经外科干预的技术，例如RF消融和深部脑刺激，涉及高分辨率成像和电生理标测。目前，电生理标测涉及用单通道可移动微电极穿透计算的目标结构以识别神经元结构边界。每个微电极都非常缓慢地前进，停下来检查单个细胞并记录放电频率和模式。这种映射过程是乏味和耗时的。拟议的脑深部微电极阵列（DBMA）将由24个电极部位组成，这些电极部位以双线性排列定位，允许同时监测跨越12 mm或更长的多个大脑区域，从而大大提高标测程序的效率。拟议的第一阶段项目将集中精力开发一种原型设备，该设备在尺寸上适合于映射人类的深层大脑结构。将通过一系列台架和动物试验确认制造和器械功能的可行性。DBMA设备的可能增强（通过第二阶段项目）可能包括针对单元和现场记录优化的记录部位以及刺激部位。为了实现该项目的目标，NeuroNexus技术，一个领先的供应商的微加工，微型神经探针，将与FHC公司，在功能性神经外科手术中用于记录和刺激的术中微电极的领先供应商。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Neurosurgical interventions are emerging as treatments for a variety of intractable neurological conditions, including movement disorders, pain and epilepsy. Current techniques for optimization of stereotactically targeted neurosurgical interventions, such as RF ablation and deep brain stimulation, involve high resolution imaging and electrophysiological mapping. At present, electrophysiological mapping involves penetrating the computed target structures with single-channel movable microelectrodes to identify the neuronal structure boundaries. Each microelectrode is advanced very slowly, stopping to examine individual cells and to record the firing frequency and pattern. This mapping procedure is tedious and time-consuming. The proposed Deep Brain Microelectrode Array (DBMA) will consist of 24 electrode sites positioned in a bi- linear arrangement allowing multiple brain regions spanning 12 mm or more to be monitored simultaneously, greatly increasing the efficiency of the mapping procedure. The proposed Phase I project will concentrate on developing a prototype device that is dimensionally suitable for mapping deep brain structures in the human. Feasibility of fabrication and device functionality will be validated through a series of bench and animal tests. Possible enhancements to the DBMA device (through a Phase II project) might include recording sites optimized for unit and field recording and sites for stimulation. In order to meet the goals of the project, NeuroNexus Technologies, a leading supplier of microfabricated, microscale neural probes, will team with FHC, Inc., a leading supplier of intraoperative microelectrodes for recording and stimulation during functional neurosurgical procedures.