CyberBrain - A Preliminary Experience on Non Human Primate

Abstract

The study of abnormal electrical activity of the brain, such as epilepsy, is attracting more and more interest for its wide impact on the population. Intracranial EEG recording (electrocorticogaphy; EcoG) and direct cortical stimulation (DCS) are, nowadays, the most accurate and reliable techniques to map cortical function and to identify the boundaries of an epileptic focus. In this work we present the preliminary testing of intra-operative ECoG and DCS performed in a non-human primate using a new custom-made fully-implantable wireless 16channels device (Patent Number: WO2012143850), called ECOGW-16E. This fully-integrated device, housed in a compact hermetically sealed Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) enclosure, exploits the newly available Medical Implant Communication Service band (MICS: 402-405 MHz). ECOGW-16E is wirelessly rechargeable using a special designed cage for recharge, developed in accordance with guidelines for accommodation of animals by Council of Europe.