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Deep Brain Microelectrode Array For Functional Neurosurgery

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: 1R43NS054346-01
Agency Tracking Number: NS054346
Amount: $184,137.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: PHS2006-2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2006
Award Year: 2006
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
NEURONEXUS TECHNOLOGIES 3985 RESEARCH PARK DR
ANN ARBOR, MI 48108
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 JAMILLE HETKE
 (734) 786-0069
 jfh@neuronexustech.com
Business Contact
Phone: (734) 786-0069
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Neurosurgical interventions are emerging as treatments for a variety of intractable neurological conditions, including movement disorders, pain and epilepsy. Current techniques for optimization of stereotactically targeted neurosurgical interventions, such as RF ablation and deep brain stimulation, involve high resolution imaging and electrophysiological mapping. At present, electrophysiological mapping involves penetrating the computed target structures with single-channel movable microelectrodes to identify the neuronal structure boundaries. Each microelectrode is advanced very slowly, stopping to examine individual cells and to record the firing frequency and pattern. This mapping procedure is tedious and time-consuming. The proposed Deep Brain Microelectrode Array (DBMA) will consist of 24 electrode sites positioned in a bi- linear arrangement allowing multiple brain regions spanning 12 mm or more to be monitored simultaneously, greatly increasing the efficiency of the mapping procedure. The proposed Phase I project will concentrate on developing a prototype device that is dimensionally suitable for mapping deep brain structures in the human. Feasibility of fabrication and device functionality will be validated through a series of bench and animal tests. Possible enhancements to the DBMA device (through a Phase II project) might include recording sites optimized for unit and field recording and sites for stimulation. In order to meet the goals of the project, NeuroNexus Technologies, a leading supplier of microfabricated, microscale neural probes, will team with FHC, Inc., a leading supplier of intraoperative microelectrodes for recording and stimulation during functional neurosurgical procedures.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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