Abstract: A medical device system includes a brain monitoring element, cardiopulmonary monitoring element, therapy module and a processor. The processor is configured to activate the therapy module upon detection of a cardiopulmonary event in the cardiopulmonary signal. The processor is further configured to monitor the brain signal and communicate to the therapy module to change the cardiopulmonary triggered therapeutic output to the brain based upon the brain monitoring. Methods of treating a person with a neurological disorder are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of navigating a spinal subarchnoid space in a living being, that includes percutaneously introducing a device into the spinal subarachnoid space at an entry location. The device has a first passageway that is sized to slidably receive, and work with, at least a guidewire. The device can be a catheter or a sheath. The method can also include advancing the device within the spinal subarachnoid space at least more than 10 centimeters from the entry location. Alternatively, the method can include advancing the device within the spinal subarachnoid space to facilitate intracranial access with a second device introduced through the first passageway. Also disclosed is a device suited for attachment to a patient's skin, such as a sheath, that includes an elongated member, a skin-attachment apparatus having a flexible skin-attachment flap, and a valve apparatus.

Abstract: A neurological probe has a plurality of stacked electrode elements, each electrode element having stimulation/lesioning and recording electrodes incorporated with a strip of electrically non-conductive substrate. Such a probe is more compact while having a large number of stimulation/lesioning and recording channels.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention relates to neural prosthetic devices in which control signals are based on the cognitive activity of the prosthetic user. The control signals may be used to control an array of external devices, such as prosthetics, computer systems, and speech synthesizers. Data obtained from monkeys' movement intentions were recorded, decoded with a computer algorithm, and used to position cursors on a computer screen. Not only the intended goals, but also the value of the reward the animals expected to receive at the end of each trial, were decoded from the recordings. The results indicate that brain activity related to cognitive variables can be a viable source of signals for the control of a cognitive-based neural prosthetic.

Abstract: A lead extension is provided that includes a physiological data recorder configured to store physiological data from the patient. A first extension segment may electrically and physically couple an implantable medical lead to the physiological data recorder, and a second extension segment may electrically and physically couple an implantable medical device (IMD) or a secondary lead extension to the physiological data recorder. The physiological data recorder may include a processor that collects the physiological data derived from sensed electrical signals from the medical lead and a memory to store the physiological data. The physiological data recorder may also wirelessly transmit the physiological data to an external programmer, or be explanted for data retrieval. In some examples, the physiological data recorder may be powered by electrical signals generated by the IMD, which may be either signals intended solely for charging, or signals intended for stimulation therapy.

Abstract: An electrode array that is implantable within the inferior colliculus of the midbrain and/or other appropriate regions of the brain of an implantee and adapted to provide electrical stimulation thereto. The electrode array an elongate member having a plurality of electrodes mounted thereon in a longitudinal array. A delivery cannula for delivering the electrode array comprised of two half-pipes is also described.

Abstract: A method of navigating a spinal subarachnoid space in a living being includes percutaneously introducing a device into the spinal subarachnoid space at an entry location. The device has a first passageway that is sized to slidably receive, and work with, at least a guidewire. The device can be a catheter or a sheath. The method can also include advancing the device within the spinal subarachnoid space at least more than 10 centimeters from the entry location. Alternatively, the method can include advancing the device within the spinal subarachnoid space to facilitate intracranial access with a second device introduced through the first passageway. Also disclosed is a device suited for attachment to a patient's skin, such as a sheath, that includes an elongated member, a skin-attachment apparatus having a flexible skin-attachment flap, and a valve apparatus.

Abstract: A sensor system is used for measuring, transmitting, processing and displaying a brain parameter. The sensor system has at least one implantable brain parameter sensor with a wireless transmission unit for measuring the brain parameter. At least one receiving unit with an antenna is in wireless signal connection with the latter. At least one data read module is in signal connection with the antenna and a data processing and display device is in turn in signal connection with said data read module. The sensor system also has a head cap or a head hood, on which the receiving unit is fixed to predetermine a relative position relative to the transmitting unit. A sensor system is the result, the use of which remains comfortable for the patient even over a relatively long measuring period.

Abstract: A neural probe array is provided for subdural implantation to record intracranial field potentials in the brain. The neural probe array includes a base having first and second sides and a plurality of apertures therebetween. A plurality of contacts are spaced along the first side of the base for recording the field potentials. It is contemplated to provide drug delivery through the apertures in the base in order to enhance the biocompatibility of the neural probe array and to utilize the field potentials recorded by the contacts to drive an external device.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in neurophysiological research and clinical diagnosis comprises a hollow body having a plurality of electrode wires slidably carried therein. Each electrode wire is carried on a shuttle that is slidably mounted in a slot in an interior wall of the hollow body.

Abstract: The invention provides a multichannel electrode (“MC electrode”) which can perform multiple functions such as recording, stimulating and lesioning simultaneously or sequentially upon a single insertion into a target site. In one aspect, the MC electrode further provides imaging and drug delivery capabilities. The invention also provides interface connectors for connecting the MC electrode to external units such as data acquisition and/or stimulation systems. Although the MC electrode and associated connectors and system(s) provide an optimal way to perform deep brain surgical procedures, the MC electrode and associated connectors and system(s) are useful generally in any technique which relies on recording, activating, and/or inhibiting electrical signals produced by cells.

Abstract: An implantable connector electrically connects multi-conductor leads to an implantable medical device such as a neurostimulator. The connector is assembled directly into a hermetic feedthrough of the implantable device and utilizes the feedthrough housing as a sustaining structure for connector clamping. The receptacle contacts detachably connect proximal lead contacts to corresponding feedthrough pins, which provide pass-through connections to electronic circuitry contained in a hermetically sealed case. The receptacle contact has resilient contact tines designed to engage a corresponding lead contact in a sliding manner. The receptacle contact is integrated with a contact guard which protects the receptacle contact from inadvertent handling damage. The contact guard is substantially more rigid than the resilient contact to resist deformation. The contact guard protectively shields the receptacle contact tines and prevents unintended contact tine excursion.

Abstract: Methods of monitoring brain activity signals in a patient are described, including the steps of identifying a lobe or lobes of the patient's brain in which the patient's seizures originate; selecting an electrode array from a plurality of predetermined dispersed electrode patterns based on the identified lobe or lobes of the brain; implanting the electrode array within the patient's cranium to place the electrodes in contact with the identified lobe or lobes of the brain; and coupling the electrodes to an seizure advisory system. Also described is a seizure advisory system that includes an electrode array having fewer than 32 electrodes in a predetermined dispersed radial pattern, adapted to be implanted through a single opening in the skull, and to be deployed in the predetermined dispersed radial pattern to detect a brain activity signal. The system also includes a communication assembly and an external assembly.

Abstract: A thin-film microelectrode array tailored for long-term, minimally invasive cortical recording or stimulation and method are provided. The microelectrode array includes a flexible element that is movable between a first contracted configuration and a second expanded configuration. An array of contacts is provided on the flexible element. The contacts are engagable with a cortical surface with the flexible element in the expanded configuration. A link operatively connects the array of contacts to a control module. The link is capable of transmitting at least one of cortical recordings and cortical stimulation signals thereon.

Abstract: Neuromodulation assemblies with lead bodies having curvatures that mimic the curvatures of the splenium, trunk, genu, or rostrum of the corpus callosum. Methods of stimulating the corpus callosum and methods of securing an electrical lead in the brain are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a slowly implantable electrode. A coating for an electrode, the coating includes a shape-memory polymer. A method for inserting an electrode into brain tissue by inserting an implantable electrode having a shape-memory polymer coated electrode into brain tissue.

Abstract: A device for positioning at least one cell in at least one addressable position, the device comprising a substrate (12) formed with at least one addressable pore (14) and at least one channel (16) embedded in the substrate and being held in fluid communication with the at least one pore. The at least one pore and the at least one channel are designed and constructed such that an under-pressure formed in the at least one channel results in vacuum adherence of the at least one cell onto the at least one pore, such that a single cell is vacuum adhered onto a single pore. In one embodiment, the substrate is a non-conductive substrate and is further formed with one or more electrode structures (22), where each of the electrode structures is positioned in one of the pores. In an additional embodiment the device is designed to be locatable on an organ, such as the brain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible circuit electrode array adapted for neural stimulation, comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces at least one tack opening; wherein said polymer base layer, said metal traces and said polymer top layer are thermoformed in a three dimensional shape. The present invention provides further a method of making a flexible circuit electrode array comprising depositing a polymer base layer; depositing metal on said polymer base layer; patterning said metal to form metal traces; depositing a polymer top layer on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; preparing at least one tack opening; and heating said flexible circuit electrode array in a mold to form a three dimensional shape in said flexible circuit electrode array.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a MEMS flexible substrate neural probe is provided. The method can include applying an insulation layer on a substrate, and depositing a plurality of metal traces on the insulation layer and electroplating each of the plurality of traces. The method also can include encapsulating the insulation layer and metal traces deposited thereon with an insulation layer. Additionally the method can include etching the insulation layer to form a plurality bond pad sites and probes to form a flexible ribbon cable having a plurality of bond pad sites disposed on a surface of the flexible cable and a plurality of neural probes extending from the flexible cable. The method further can include separating the substrate from the insulation layer and depositing insulation on each of the neural probes, each probe comprising insulated portion and exposed metallic tip.

Abstract: In some preferred embodiments, without limitation, the present invention comprises an implantable, intracranial neural interface node which is an integrated and minimally invasive platform system and supports cross-modal neural interfaces to the cerebrum and other associated structures in the central nervous system. The neural interfaces comprise electrical and chemical interfaces for neural recording, electrical stimulation, chemical delivery, chemical sensing, chemical sampling, cell delivery, genetic material delivery and/or other functions of interest.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes an implantable electrode lead system that includes a series of shims stacked upon each other, a series of first components, and a series of second components connected to the series of first components through a series of connectors. One of the first components extends from one of the shims, and another of the first components extends from another one of the shims. The shims position the first components in a three dimensional arrangement.

Abstract: With use of three-dimensional data of a brain shape, a mold for forming a sheet-shaped structure having a three-dimensional shape of the gyrus or sulcus surface, or the interhemispheric fissure or interlobar fissure surface is formed. With use of the mold, a sheet-shaped silicone structure 2 having a three-dimensional shape of the gyrus or sulcus surface, or the interhemispheric fissure or interlobar fissure surface is formed. An electrode 3 is arranged on at least one side of the silicone structure 2. With this configuration, an intracranial electrode 1 in which the electrode 3 is arranged on the sheet-shaped silicone structure 2 having the three-dimensional shape of the gyrus or sulcus surface, or the interhemispheric fissure or interlobar fissure surface can be produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a probe for data transmission between a brain and a data processing device. Said probe has a support with electrodes fitted thereto. Said electrodes can be made to electromagnetically interact with neurons of the brain for the purpose of detecting neuronal activity and/or the transmission of stimuli and can be coupled to the data processing device. The shape of the support can be adapted to an inner surface of the brain to such a degree that it can be inserted into the interior of a sulcus of the brain.

Abstract: A burr hole assembly for use in neurosurgery. In one aspect, the burr hole assembly comprises a burr hole portion and one or more sensors, such as EEG sensors, temperature sensors, intracranial pressure sensors, or motion sensors. In certain embodiments, an input/output unit, which may include a multiplexer, provides a coupling between the sensors and a brain stimulation system which operates in cooperation with the burr hole assembly. In another aspect, the burr hole assembly comprises a burr hole portion and a rotation mechanism which operates in cooperation with an electrode lead. In certain embodiments, the burr hole assembly includes a control system for controlling the rotation mechanism. Also disclosed are systems comprising a burr hole assembly and various components of a brain stimulation system, such as pulse generators, electrode leads, lead extension, or external control systems.

Abstract: An electrode device and a method of installing the electrode device in the vicinity of the brain. The electrode device includes a plurality of electrode assemblies, each with at least one electrode lead, extending from a common base. The base is configured to be positioned on an outside of the patient's cranium with each electrode assembly projecting individually through a hole in the patient's cranium such that the electrode lead is in the vicinity of the brain. The method of installation includes carving a recess out of the patient's cranium and inserting the base therein. Each of the electrode assemblies are placed in their respective holes in order to stimulate, monitor or record neurological activity. The electrode device may be used over long periods of time for chronic treatment or recording.

Abstract: A neural probe includes at least one shaft, at least one first electrode disposed on a first side of the at least one shaft, and at least one second electrode disposed on a second side of the at least one shaft. The at least one second electrode is separately addressable from the at least first electrode.

Abstract: An electrode with three-dimensional capabilities for detection and control of brain state changes of a subject. The electrode includes a disk portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a shaft portion secured to and extending perpendicularly outwardly from the lower surface of the disk portion; the shaft portion having an outer surface. The disk portion and shaft portion may include one or more recording or stimulating contact surfaces structured to operatively interact with the brain of a subject. Insulating material isolates each of the recording or stimulating contact surfaces from each other. At least one conductor operatively and separately connect each of the recording or stimulating contact surfaces in communication with external apparatus. The disk portion and shaft portion are structured relative to each other to operatively provide support and anchoring for each other while providing three-dimensional capabilities for detection and control of brain state changes of a subject.

Abstract: In some preferred embodiments, without limitation, the present invention comprises an implantable, intracranial neural interface node which is an integrated and minimally invasive platform system and supports cross-modal neural interfaces to the cerebrum and other associated structures in the central nervous system. The neural interfaces comprise electrical and chemical interfaces for neural recording, electrical stimulation, chemical delivery, chemical sensing, chemical sampling, cell delivery, genetic material delivery and/or other functions of interest.

Abstract: A cortical sensing device is provided that includes a sensing element and at least one pad attached adjacent to a support member. The pad is substantially thin and made from flexibly-conformable material to accurately and safely place the sensing device upon the brain surface. Contact between the lower surface of the pad and the brain surface anchors the sensing element at a desired position against unintentional movement. The sensing device preferably has three circular pads equidistant from one another.

Abstract: A cerebral interface system has a housing mechanism configured to be at least partially spaced in a cavity formed in the subject's skull; an attaching mechanism for attaching the housing mechanism to the subject's skull; a sealing mechanism for providing a fluid-tight seal between the housing mechanism and the subject's skull; a control mechanism spaced within the housing mechanism; a communication mechanism with one or more sensors embedded in the subject's brain connecting the control mechanism to the subject's brain; and a power source spaced within the housing mechanism. Preferably, an inner wall thereof is substantially aligned with the surrounding inner surface of the subject's skull and an outer wall thereof is substantially aligned with the surrounding outer surface of the subject's skull, or may include an auxiliary portion extending tangentially outwardly from the cavity formed in the subject's skull and having substantially the same profile as the subject's skull thereunder.

Abstract: A micro manipulator for electrode movement, a driving method thereof, and a brain signal measuring device using the same are provided.

Abstract: Leads and introduction tools are proposed for deep brain stimulation and other applications. Some embodiments of the present invention provide lead designs with which may be placed with a stylet, while others do not require a stylet. Some lead embodiments use standard wire conductors, while others use cable conductors. Several embodiments incorporate microelectrodes and/or microelectrode assemblies. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide introduction tools, such as cannula and/or cannula systems, which ensure proper placement of, e.g., leads.

Abstract: An improved electrical connector for connecting a multi-contact medical electrode device with a plural-contact tail. Having a tail-receiving first elongate member with a tail-receiving void and a second elongate member. The second elongate member has a nesting surface and an array of electrical conductors which are spring-loaded pin plunger devices. The spring-loaded pin plunger devices having movable pins that project into and at least partially, preferably halfway, across and into the tail-receiving void. The device is configured such that the spring-loaded pin plunger devices extend at an angle substantially parallel to the movement of the tail-receiving void at the point the pin tips enter therein. The distal end of the second elongate member has an opening through which a multi-wire electrical cable extends. The second elongate member also has a channel in alignment with the opening that has therein the multiple wires of the electrical cable.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided including an implantable sensor, adapted to sense an electrical parameter of a heart of a subject, and a first control unit, adapted to apply pulses to the heart responsively to the sensed parameter, the pulses selected from the list consisting of: pacing pulses and anti-arrhythmic energy. The apparatus further includes an electrode device, adapted to be coupled to a site of the subject selected from the list consisting of: a vagus nerve of the subject, an epicardial fat pad of the subject, a pulmonary vein of the subject, a carotid artery of the subject, a carotid sinus of the subject, a coronary sinus of the subject, a vena cava vein of the subject, a right ventricle of the subject, and a jugular vein of the subject; and a second control unit, adapted to drive the electrode device to apply to the site a current that increases parasympathetic tone of the subject and affects a heart rate of the subject. The first and second control units are not under common control.

Abstract: A neurological probe has a plurality of stacked electrode elements, each electrode element having stimulation/lesioning and recording electrodes incorporated with a strip of electrically non-conductive substrate. Such a probe is more compact while having a large number of stimulation/lesioning and recording channels.

Abstract: According to this technique of packaging a sensor device implantable in a living body so as to provide protection of the sensor device and to the living body itself, an electrical conductor of the sensor device is sealed in an insulating substrate extending between proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the electrical conductor is externally connected to an external sensor on the sensor device and the proximal end of the electrical conductor is externally connected to a distal end of a lead wire extending proximally to a pulse generator and these connections are embedded in an insulative sheath. The external sensor, substrate, and insulative sheath are encapsulated in a thin film of hermetic material without interference with the lead wire. In another embodiment, a layer of insulating material may underlie the hermetic material to encapsulate the external sensor and the substrate.

Abstract: A cerebral and/or interface system has a housing mechanism configured to be at least partially spaced in a cavity formed in the subject's skull; an attaching mechanism for attaching the housing mechanism to the subject's skull; a sealing mechanism for providing a fluid-tight seal between the housing mechanism and the subject's skull; a control mechanism spaced within the housing mechanism; a communication mechanism with one or more sensors embedded in the subject's brain connecting the control mechanism to the subject's brain; and a power source spaced within the housing mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for use in neurosurgery, and to a method of positioning neurosurgical apparatus. The stereoguide comprises first and second guide elements through which instruments are passed along an axis of insertion towards a target and a first clamp (25) having a clamping position on the axis between the guide elements and the target.

Abstract: There is disclosed a surgical lead comprising two percutaneous lead bodies bonded together. The inventive lead body results in the equivalent of a surgical lead body with columns of electrodes either adjacent to or offset from each other. A bridge of urethane material is used to bond together the percutaneous lead bodies and still provide suitable flexibility of the lead. The surface of the electrodes may be coated, in part, with a suitable non-conductive coating to effectively direct the electrical stimulation signals toward the targeted stimulation area. Significantly, the resulting lead is sized to fit within a needle having a similar cross-section, thereby permitting the percutaneous implantation of the inventive lead.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation and/or chemical stimulation to treat depression. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead and/or catheter that is in communication with a predetermined site which is coupled to a signal generator and/or infusion pump that release either an electrical signal and/or a pharmaceutical resulting in stimulation of the predetermined site thereby treating the mood and/or anxiety disorder.

Abstract: An intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring system includes an adaptive threshold detection circuit adapted for use in monitoring with a plurality of electrodes placed in muscles which are enervated by a selected nerve and muscles not enervated by the nerve. Nerve monitoring controller algorithms permit the rapid and reliable discrimination between non-repetitive electromyographic (EMG) events and repetitive EMG events, thus allowing the surgeon to evaluate whether nerve fatigue is rendering the monitoring results less reliable and whether anesthesia is wearing off. An artifact detection electrode provides a reliably detectable impedance imbalance between the electrode leads and antenna-like qualities for enhanced detection of current and electromagnetic artifacts.

Abstract: A method of treating a neurological disorder in a patient is provided. The method comprises intravascularly delivering a first electrical lead within the head of the patient, and non-vascularly delivering a second electrical lead within the head the patient. The vascular and intravascular leads are placed adjacent brain tissue (e.g., cortical brain tissue or deep brain tissue). Optionally, the method comprises implanting a source of stimulation and/or recorder within the patient's body, and then electrically coupling the proximal ends of the electrical leads to the implanted device. Using the electrical leads, the brain tissue can then be stimulated and/or recorded in order to treat the neurological disorder.

Abstract: A brain stimulation lead such as a deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead is provided, which lead can also be used to create lesions safely and effectively due to inclusion of temperature sensing. The generating of radio-frequency (RF) lesions via a brain stimulation lead provides a new treatment option, for instance, when hardware-related or other complications necessitate lead removal. An existing implanted DBS lead was used to create lesions in the thalamus and subthalamus of patients with movement disorders. Various brain stimulation leads with temperature sensors are described. Various methods are disclosed, including creation of a lesion with a brain stimulation lead while sensing temperature with a sensor implanted as part of the lead or with a noninvasive sensing device. Another method includes creating a graduated lesion with a brain stimulation lead of the invention or with a chronic lesioning lead.

Abstract: A method of treating a neurological disorder (such as acute stroke) in a patient is provided. The method comprises introducing an electrical stimulation lead within the patient's head, advancing the stimulation lead within an intracranial vascular body, such as a blood vessel or ventricle, placing the stimulation lead adjacent the fastigium nucleus of the patient's brain, and stimulating the fastigium nucleus with the stimulation lead to treat the neurological disorder.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead system for neurological applications has a distal portion having a plurality of independently positionable seed electrodes, each of which may be connected via an interface to an implantable medical device. The interface allows the seed electrodes to be positioned, then excess wire trimmed, facilitating simplified connection of multiple independent electrodes to a single device. Seed electrodes according to the invention are small, have relatively low mass, and are minimally destructive of surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A polymer linear actuator for a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) and a micro manipulator for a measurement device of cranial nerve signal using the same are provided. The polymer linear actuator has first and second bodies positioned spaced apart to a distance from each other, and one or more pairs of V-type moving units connecting the first and second bodies together, wherein the moving units in pair are opposed to each other to convert a rotation motion of the respective moving units into a linear motion, thereby causing the first and second bodies to move linearly.

Abstract: A cortical electrode support assembly is provided having at least one cortical sensing device, preferably an electrode device, a connector and a support apparatus. The cortical sensing device includes at least one sensing element, preferably a contact, and a lead with a connection member that is preferably a socket extending from the contact. The connector has a connecting element that is preferably a connecting pin adapted to receive the connection member and a electrical conduit extending from it. The support apparatus is provided with an adjustable clamp and a mount that has the connector secured to it. The electrical conduit preferably has an input jack for connecting it to an external device such as an external monitoring device. Preferably, the support apparatus also includes a post on which the mount is slidably secured at one end and the clamp is adjustably attached to the other end. A method of monitoring brain activity during brain surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: Electrodes designed in accordance with the present invention may selectively employ arc shaped contacts; variations in contact number, positioning, spacing, and/or distribution; variations in contact area, size, or periphery; and/or on-electrode conductive links or interconnections between particular contacts to provide enhanced efficiency neural stimulation, and/or increased electrode reliability.

Abstract: A brain implant system consistent with embodiments of the present invention includes an electrode array having a plurality of electrodes for sensing neuron signals. A method for manufacturing the electrode array includes machining a piece of an electrically conductive substance to create a plurality of electrodes extending from a base member. Each electrode also has a corresponding base section. A nonconductive layer is provided around at least a portion of the base section of each electrode to support the plurality of electrodes. The base section of the electrodes are then cut to separate the base member from the plurality of electrodes supported by the nonconductive support layer. The present invention also includes a complete brain implant system using the above electrode array.

Abstract: A bio-probe having a base and a tip, and comprising a longitudinal core of substantially rigid material. On the core, there is a first layer of dielectric material, supported by and substantially circumferentially surrounding the core. Also, a set of conductors, each conductor extending longitudinally along the first layer of dielectric material and a second layer of dielectric material, substantially covering each of the set of conductors. For each of the conductors, an aperture is defined through the second layer of dielectric material to the conductor, thereby defining an electrode. In one preferred embodiment of this aspect, the first layer of insulative material is in the form of a tube and wherein the core is removable from the tube.