Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for supporting an adjustable surgical platform is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a supporting platform portion with a body portion that defines bore along a central axis. Arm portions with engaging means extend radially from the supporting platform portion. The apparatus also includes a shaft portion extending from the supporting platform portion in a first direction, with a shaft body portion that defines a bore along a longitudinal axis B. The bore of the shaft body portion is in communication with the bore of the supporting platform portion. The apparatus further includes a base portion connected to the shaft portion, and that defines a bore in communication with the bore of the shaft portion and the bore of the supporting platform portion. Mounting means are configured to secure the base portion to a region of interest of a living subject.

Abstract: A surgical platform usable for performing a surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the surgical platform comprises a base portion configured to receive at least one probe; a plurality of adjustable legs configured to support the base portion, each adjustable legs having a first end portion and an opposite, second end potion defining a length therebetween; and at least one movable portion configured to adjust the length of at least one adjustable leg.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a system for stimulating neural tissue of a living subject. The system comprises an energy source capable of generating optical energy, a connector having a first end and a second end capable of transmitting optical energy, and a probe operably coupled to the second end of the connector and having an end portion for delivering optical energy to a target neural tissue. In one embodiment, the energy source comprises a tunable laser.

Abstract: A method of creating an atlas that contains electrophysiological information related to at least one of a plurality of living subjects. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of choosing a brain image volume as a common image volume of reference, acquiring electrophysiological information for a target of interest, relating the acquired electrophysiological information to spatial coordinates in the brain image volume of the target of interest, and registering the brain image volume of the target of interest to the common image volume of reference so as to create an atlas in which any spatial coordinates of the brain of the target of interest are related to atlas coordinates in the atlas such that the acquired electrophysiological information associated with the related spatial coordinates in the brain image volume of the target of interest can be related to atlas coordinates in the atlas, and vice versa.