Flexible, Scalable, High Channel Count Stereo-Electrode for Recording in The Human Brain

Over the past decade, stereotactically placed electrodes have become the gold standard for deep brain recording and stimulation for a wide variety of neurological and psychiatric diseases. Current deep brain electrodes commonly known as the stereoencephalography (SEEG) electrodes, are limited in their spatial resolution and ability to record from small populations of neurons, let alone individual neurons. Here, we will discuss a novel, customizable, thin-film (polyimide) human-grade flexible depth electrode with platinum nanorod contacts that is capable of recording and stimulation at a depth of 10 cm in brain tissue, an electrode referred to as the UCSD microSEEG electrode. This 15μm thin, stylet-guided depth electrode is capable of recording local field potentials and single unit neuronal activity (action potentials), validated across species including humans. This device represents an advance in manufacturing and design approaches which extends the capabilities of a mainstay technology in clinical neurology.