BRAIN TOUCH

3D Flexible Probe for Deep Brain Stimulation and Recording

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The objective of the present proposal is to develop a new generation of flexible Deep Brain Stimulation and Recording (DBSR) probe that could significantly improve and standardize the deep brain stimulation therapies by offering the possibility of multiple site, three dimensional distributed and adaptive neural stimulation (feedback through simultaneous neural signal recording). Today, there is no available neuro-probe that offers all these functions. Even if significant advances had been made both in silicon and in polymer based probes taking advantage of the high throughput microfabrication techniques offered by the integrated circuit (IC) industry, when it comes to humans, all these devices can be used exclusively for sensing and stimulation of cortex regions, spinal cord and peripheral nerve fibers, leaving available for the DBS applications only the classic micro-wire technology. We propose a manufacture concept based on silicon wafer thinning and bonding on flexible substrates that could remedy this unbalanced situation, by giving to the DBS field access to all the technological advances made in the IC industry. The research will require combined efforts in the fields of microelectronics, polymer material, neurobiology, neurophysiology and neurosurgery to be merged together in order to enable progress beyond the state of the art devices available today. The work will be conducted in the Bio-Electronic Systems group of IMEC (Leuven, Belgium) in close collaboration with the Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy Laboratory of the Katholieke Universitiet Leuven (K.U.Leuven). Its successful completion would provide novel scientific and technological concepts for the improvement and standardization of the DBS therapies, with a direct economic outcome: a dramatic decrease of the therapy cost together with a significant increase in accessibility.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Inserting probes deep into the brain for prosthesis stimulation and research presents many challenges. A European team has developed a novel neuroprobe that overcomes insertion problems, can perform neural stimulation and records information.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The EU-funded '3D flexible probe for deep brain stimulation and recording' (BRAIN TOUCH) project has developed a new generation flexible deep brain stimulation and recording (DBSR) probe. Neuroprobes developed previously are only able to stimulate and record feedback from cortical regions in the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.

To penetrate deep into the brain, the probe was designed and manufactured using a multidisciplinary approach combining recent advances in microelectronics, polymer materials, neurobiology, neurophysiology and neurosurgery. BRAIN TOUCH scientists used a mouse model to measure the appropriate behavioural and psychological responses.

Challenges for the team included development of the probe and scaling down by a factor of 10 for the rodent model. Choice of polymer took into account the fact that the material had to be wrapped around a permanent, rigid, silicon inner core. The polyimide chosen satisfied the criteria for low internal stress and water absorption. A novel front side silicon dry etch process was developed to create a two-level step structure inside the bulk of the silicon wafer.

For insertion of the probe, the scientists developed a new force measurement sensor that was added to the stereotactic surgical setup to satisfy requirements for the insertion procedure. The sensor relayed crucial information on predicted penetration forces and tissue dimpling values based on design parameters such as tip angle, dimensions and insertion speed.

BRAIN TOUCH has successfully manufactured both rigid and flexible neural implants. This is a significant step forward in terms of accuracy of implantation at a greatly reduced cost. Applications include the investigation of physiological processes and to help restore or support neuromuscular and neurosensory systems in neural prostheses. Patients with diseases such as Parkinson's, stroke victims and cerebral palsy also stand to benefit from alleviation of symptoms using a neuroprobe.