Ultraflexible endovascular probes for brain recording through micron-scale vasculature

• Published in: Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 2023-07, Vol.381 (6655), p.306-312
• Main Authors: Zhang, Anqi, Mandeville, Emiri T., Xu, Lijun, Stary, Creed M., Lo, Eng H., Lieber, Charles M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0036-8075; 1095-9203
• DOI: 10.1126/science.adh3916

Implantable neuroelectronic interfaces have enabled advances in both fundamental research and treatment of neurological diseases, yet traditional intracranial depth electrodes require invasive surgery to place and can disrupt the neural networks during implantation. We developed an ultra-small and flexible endovascular neural probe that can be implanted into sub-100-micron scale blood vessels in the brains of rodents without damaging the brain or vasculature. In vivo electrophysiology recording of local field potentials and single-unit spikes have been selectively achieved in the cortex and the olfactory bulb. Histology analysis of the tissue interface showed minimal immune response and long-term stability. This platform technology can be readily extended as both research tools and medical devices for the detection and intervention of neurological diseases. Minimally invasive probes delivered into the brain vasculature monitor neural activity in vivo without causing damage.