Multiple microelectrode-recording system for human intracortical applications

The human brain is dominated by the neocortex, a large folded surface, whos e cellular and synaptic elements are arranged in layers. Since cortical str ucture is relatively constant across its surface, local information process ing can be inferred From multiple laminar recordings of its electrical acti vity along a line perpendicular to its surface. Such recordings need to be spaced at least as close together as the cortical layers, and need to be wi deband in order to sample both low frequency synaptic currents as well as h igh-frequency action potentials. Finally, any device used in the human brai n must comply with strict safety standards. The current paper presents deta ils of a system melting these criteria, together with sample results obtain ed from epileptic subjects undergoing acute or chronic intracranial monitor ing for definition of the epileptogenic region. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B .V. All rights reserved.