Validation of Neurotrophic Electrode Long-Term Recordings in Human Cortex

Abstract

The development of a reliable neural interface is essential for lifetime cortical control of prosthetic devices such as robotic arms, paralyzed limbs, or speech. Standard tine or wire electrodes are not long lasting, surviving a few years with very few remaining useful signals. The neurotrophic electrode engages radically different methodology that allows the brain’s neuropil to grow into the electrode tip. Successful anchoring of the electrode tip within the neuropil has resulted in functionally usable single-unit recordings for over a decade. Tine- and wire-type electrodes lose units over months and years unlike the neurotrophic electrode described here. These data demonstrate that stable recordings can be accomplished in humans by allowing neuropil to grow into the electrode, rather than by inserting the electrode into the neuropil. This is the first electrode methodology to produce such long-lasting signals that remain functional for over a decade.