A method for chronic and semi-chronic microelectrode array implantation in deep brain structures using image guided neuronavigation

Borna Mahmoudian; Hitarth Dalal; Jonathan Lau; Benjamin Corrigan; Mohamad Abbas; Kevin Barker; Adam Rankin; Elvis C S Chen; Terry Peters; Julio C Martinez-Trujillo

doi:10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.109948

A method for chronic and semi-chronic microelectrode array implantation in deep brain structures using image guided neuronavigation

J Neurosci Methods. 2023 Sep 1:397:109948. doi: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.109948. Epub 2023 Aug 10.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Robarts Research Institute and Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St. N., London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada.
² Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Division of Neurosurgery, London Health Sciences Centre, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St. N., London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St. N., London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada; Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St. N., London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada.
³ Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Robarts Research Institute and Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St. N., London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Division of Neurosurgery, London Health Sciences Centre, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St. N., London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada.
⁴ www.Neuronitek.com.
⁵ Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St. N., London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada.
⁶ School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St. N., London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada; Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St. N., London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St. N., London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, 750 Base Line Road East Suite 300, London, ON N6C2R5, Canada; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Thompson Engineering Building, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B9, Canada.
⁷ Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St. N., London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada; Center for Functional and Metabolic Mapping, Robarts Research Institute, Department of Medical Biophysics and Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St. N., London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada.
⁸ Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Robarts Research Institute and Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St. N., London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, 750 Base Line Road East Suite 300, London, ON N6C2R5, Canada. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 37572883
DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.109948

Abstract

Background: Accurate targeting of brain structures for in-vivo electrophysiological recordings is essential for basic as well as clinical neuroscience research. Although methodologies for precise targeting and recording from the cortical surface are abundant, such protocols are scarce for deep brain structures.

New method: We have incorporated stable fiducial markers within a custom cranial cap for improved image-guided neuronavigation targeting of subcortical structures in macaque monkeys. Anchor bolt chambers allowed for a minimally invasive entrance into the brain for chronic recordings. A 3D-printed microdrive allowed for semi-chronic applications.

Results: We achieved an average Euclidean targeting error of 1.6 mm and a radial error of 1.2 mm over three implantations in two animals. Chronic and semi-chronic implantations allowed for recording of extracellular neuronal activity, with single-neuron activity examples shown from one macaque monkey.

Comparison with existing method(s): Traditional stereotactic methods ignore individual anatomical variability. Our targeting approach allows for a flexible, subject-specific surgical plan with targeting errors lower than what is reported in humans, and equal to or lower than animal models using similar methods. Utilizing an anchor bolt as a chamber reduced the craniotomy size needed for electrode implantation, compared to conventional large access chambers which are prone to infection. Installation of an in-house, 3D-printed, screw-to-mount mechanical microdrive is in contrast to existing semi-chronic methods requiring fabrication, assembly, and installation of complex parts.

Conclusions: Leveraging commercially available tools for implantation, our protocol decreases the risk of infection from open craniotomies, and improves the accuracy of chronic electrode implantations targeting deep brain structures in large animal models.

Keywords: Deep brain structures; Electrophysiology; Image guided neuronavigation; Microelectrode implantation; Non-human primates; Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG).

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Brain*
Craniotomy
Electrodes, Implanted
Humans
Microelectrodes
Neuronavigation* / methods
Stereotaxic Techniques

Grants and funding

CIHR/Canada