Abstract: A multiple-use connection system includes an elongate body having an axial tail-receiving passage and having lengthwise sides, and at least two essentially parallel rows of axially-spaced pin receptacles transverse to the tail-receiving passage, the pin receptacles of one of the parallel rows being exposed along one of the lengthwise sides. A patchbay for selectively connecting pairs of connector pins with ones of a plurality of tail conductors includes an insulating body having an axial passageway adapted for receiving a tail and having pairs of aligned pin receptacles, the pairs of pin receptacles being axially spaced from one another, one pin receptacle of each of the pairs of pin receptacles having an exposed portion adapted for being directly probed, where selective placement of pairs of aligned pins into the insulating body effects electrical connection of a pair of pins to a selected one of the tail conductors.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for intracranial treatment of a patient is disclosed. The assembly comprises an outer catheter having a proximal opening, at least one aperture, a lumen connecting the opening and the at least one aperture and at least one element; and an inner catheter adapted to be received within the lumen and including a passageway and at least one port for transferring fluids between the inner catheter and a tissue region within the patient's brain. The element is preferably a contact for monitoring or stimulating brain tissue or a location marker for allowing identification of the location of the outer catheter within the brain, or both. The assembly facilitates regular accurate placement of the drug delivery catheter at the tissue region without additional extended brain contact during insertion. Drugs can administered from the drug delivery catheter through ports near the distal end of the depth electrode or fluid can be removed from the brain through the ports.

Abstract: An improved assembly and method for accurately and safely delivering a drug to a selected intracranial site are disclosed. The assembly ensures delivery of the drug to the selected site by providing a barrier which prevents “backflow” or leakage of the drug. The assembly includes a guide catheter having an inflatable balloon which is able to seal or occlude the tract created by the insertion of the guide catheter into the brain. The guide catheter further includes a passageway which receives a delivery catheter through which the drug is administered to the selected site in the brain. Upon delivery of the drug to the selected site, the balloon may be deflated and the assembly removed.

Abstract: Heat-removal method and apparatus for treatment of movement disorder episodes; more specifically, a device and method for intracranially suppressing movement disorder episodes upon the detection of physiological symptoms. The device includes a temperature-contact implanted at a targeted portion in the brain which is determined to be associated with such episodes and connection to an implanted heat-transfer operator, typically a Peltier cooler or a thermal-electric cooler. Heat transfer from the temperature-contact to the heat-transfer operator cools the targeted portion and suppresses the movement disorder episode. Such heat transfer is performed upon the sensing of symptoms which normally preface episodes. The symptoms can be sensed intracranially by sensing-contacts, on the skin by a sensor or by a person or animal. Alternatively, heat removal (cooling) can be performed without sensing symptoms to prevent episodes when the patient is particularly sensitive to, or in danger from, episodes.

Abstract: A visually-positioned electrical monitoring apparatus includes an electrical assembly comprising an elongate, flaccid dielectric body having at least one electrical contact, a passage and an open distal end. An endoscope extends through the passage and has its distal end substantially in registry with the distal end of the body. A method for placing an electrical monitoring assembly to coact with human tissue at a target site includes providing the aforedescribed monitoring assembly, extending an endoscope into the passage, aligning the distal end of the endoscope with the distal end of the body and visually guiding the assembly to the site.

Abstract: An electrical brain-contact device and device for connecting a plurality of lead wires with individual conductors. The lead wires extend to a terminal mount and to an array of terminals; a conductor support holds an array of the individual conductors; and a connector block with a first space and an array of second spaces serves to join the conductors to the terminals, preferably by a biasing means. The first space receives the terminal mount and the array of second spaces receives the conductor array. The block may be single or have a plurality of sub-blocks attached end-to-end allowing the block to be sized to accept any number of terminals and conductors. Each block or sub-block is preferably a non-conductive one-piece member.

Abstract: An improved subdural strip electrode for determining epileptogenic foci. The strip has a long gradually tapered proximal end portion terminating in a narrow tip from which lead wires extend, allowing withdrawal of the strip electrode without substantial incision. The strip width and thickness are much less than in prior subdural strip electrodes, and the strip may be withdrawn after extended implantation without the need for general surgery. One preferred embodiment includes a reinforced central region along the strip.