Dual Modality Micro-Invasive Neural Probes for Simultaneous Neurochemical and Electrophysiological In Deep Brain Structures

University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed the Dual-Modality Micro-Invasive Probe (DµIP) to measure electrophysiological and neurochemical simultaneously across brain regions of varying depths using a minimally invasive carbon fiber probe. 

Description

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a widely used procedure to treat severe neurological conditions by introducing a therapeutic stimulator that delivers targeted electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain, helping to modulate abnormal neural activity and alleviate symptoms such as tremors. Nearly 200,000 surgical DBS implantations have been done, with 12,000 more being done each year (Brooks & Hoyt, 2021). DBS is arguably one the of the greatest scientific breakthroughs and a highly effective therapy, but there is still plenty of room for development. Recent studies have shown that stimulation-evoked changes in neurotransmitter release, which mirror normal physiological processes, are closely associated with the therapeutic benefits of DBS (Grahn et al., 2014). As the future staple for DBS treatments, we envision the dμIP enhancing effectiveness by helping researchers and neurosurgeons better understand how neurochemical signals in the brain can aid in calibration during DBS surgeries and checkups.

Applications

• Human Applications
o Deep Brain Stimulation for movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and dystonia
o Recently, DBS also used for other conditions such as Tourette’s syndrome, severe depression, and alcoholism
• Animal Research
o Research on various neurochemical dynamics in the brain
o Compatible with several model organisms including monkeys and rats

Advantages

There are currently no neural probes that can simultaneously measure electrophysiological and neurochemical data simultaneously. Apart from recording, the dμIP can also provide stimulation to an area of the brain. The inserted shaft is maximum 180 microns in diameter, providing micro invasiveness which decreases scarring and neuron death post-neurosurgery. The dμIP is also compatible with several insertion techniques including the guide tube approach that is traditionally used in human neurosurgeries, essentially eliminating the learning curve for researchers and surgeons. Finally, the dμIP is able to reach brain structures across many depths, something that few other neural probes are able to do.

Invention Readiness

In vitro and in vivo data, software exists, physical device exists