A Bridge Between Invasive and Non-Invasive Approaches
Partially invasive Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) represent a promising middle ground between fully invasive and non-invasive approaches. These BCIs offer a less invasive surgical procedure while still providing a direct connection to the brain’s neural signals, albeit with potentially lower signal quality compared to fully implanted electrodes.
Endovascular BCIs (Stentrodes): A prominent example of partially invasive BCIs is the use of stentrodes, which are small, flexible devices that can be inserted into blood vessels within the brain. These stentrodes are typically delivered through a catheter via the jugular vein, navigating through the vascular system to reach their target location. Once in place, the stentrodes expand to make contact with the blood vessel walls and record neural activity from nearby brain regions.
The advantages of stentrodes include:
- Less Invasive: Compared to directly implanting electrodes into brain tissue, the insertion of stentrodes is a less invasive procedure, reducing the risks associated with open-brain surgery.
- Targeted Recording: Stentrodes can be precisely placed in specific blood vessels to target desired brain regions for recording neural activity.
- Potential for Clinical Applications: Stentrodes have shown promise in clinical trials for individuals with paralysis, enabling them to control external devices such as computer cursors or prosthetic limbs with their thoughts.
However, endovascular BCIs also have limitations:
- Signal Quality: The signals recorded by stentrodes may not be as high-quality as those obtained from electrodes implanted directly into the brain tissue. This is because the blood vessel wall acts as a barrier, attenuating the neural signals.
- Limited Coverage: Stentrodes can only record from brain regions located near blood vessels, limiting their coverage compared to fully implanted electrode arrays.
- Long-Term Effects: The long-term effects of having stentrodes implanted in blood vessels are still under investigation, and potential risks such as blood clots or vessel damage need to be carefully monitored.
Despite these limitations, partially invasive BCIs like stentrodes represent a significant step forward in BCI technology. They offer a less invasive alternative to fully implanted electrodes while still providing a direct link to the brain’s neural signals. As research progresses, we can expect further advancements in stentrode technology, potentially leading to improved signal quality, broader coverage, and wider clinical applications.
The development of partially invasive BCIs is an exciting area of research with the potential to revolutionize how we interact with technology and treat neurological disorders. As we continue to explore the possibilities of these innovative devices, it is crucial to carefully weigh the risks and benefits and prioritize the safety and well-being of patients.