Signal properties and stability of a chronically implanted endovascular brain computer interface

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Implanted brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) offer a pathway for individuals with severe disabilities to control digital devices.
• Long-term, reliable neural signal acquisition is essential for the effectiveness and feasibility of iBCIs.
• This research evaluates the signal characteristics and stability of an endovascular stent-electrode array over one year post-implantation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term signal stability and characteristics of an endovascular iBCI.
• To assess the feasibility of using iBCIs for continuous neural recording in a home environment.
• To evaluate the performance of a stent-electrode array over a 1-year period.

Main Methods:

• Five participants with paralysis were enrolled in an early feasibility clinical trial of an endovascular iBCI.
• A 16-channel stent-electrode array was implanted in the superior sagittal sinus to record from the motor cortices.
• Neural activity was recorded during home-based sessions, quantifying motor signal strength, resting state features, and electrode impedances over time.

Main Results:

• Sustained differentiation between rest and attempted movement states was observed in high-frequency bands (30-200 Hz).
• Motor-related neural activity modulation persisted over the 1-year study period.
• Most electrode channels showed stable impedance and resting state band power without significant changes over time.

Conclusions:

• Endovascular iBCIs demonstrate suitability for long-term neural signal acquisition in home settings.
• The stent-electrode array successfully recorded movement-related neural modulation for over one year.
• These results support the potential of endovascular BCIs for restoring digital independence in individuals with paralysis.