Implanting microelectrode arrays in the bottom of the central sulcus targeting somatosensory area 3a for restoration of proprioception.

objectiveThe long-term goal of this work is to develop a sensorimotor brain-machine interface (BMI) in which intended movements are decoded from the motor cortex and proprioceptive feedback is delivered via intracortical microstimulation of Brodmann's area 3a. A vital step toward this goal is to demonstrate in rhesus macaques a novel surgical approach for the precise and safe implantation of custom-length microelectrode arrays into area 3a at the bottom of the central sulcus.

methodsPreoperative planning combined high-resolution 7-T MR and CT imaging to generate 3D models of the cortices of 2 subjects. These models were used to fabricate 3D-printed skull replicas and to define a stereotactic trajectory that provided the shortest perpendicular path to the base of the central sulcus, where Brodmann's area 3a resides. Custom variable-length microwire electrode arrays were designed to span this target region. The flexibility of the microwires precluded the standard impact-insertion approach used with stiffer electrodes. Therefore, a custom vacuum-powered microdrive holder that moved with the pulsating brain was developed to maintain electrode orientation and to allow slow, controlled insertion along the planned trajectory. After implantation, the craniotomy was closed, and a skull-mounted recording chamber was secured. Postoperative verification of array placement was performed using CT imaging and neural recordings.

resultsIn both animals, imaging revealed that the base of the central sulcus was positioned anterior to its dorsal opening, making a precentral implant trajectory the shortest and most direct path to the bottom of the central sulcus. The integrated imaging and 3D modeling approach enabled accurate stereotactic placement of custom microelectrode arrays using the novel vacuum-assisted microdrive, as confirmed by postoperative CT imaging. Both surgical procedures were completed without complication, and isolatable neuronal spikes were recorded from multiple channels in each subject. In both animals, neural activity was modulated by passive movements of the arm.

conclusionsIntracortical microelectrode implants for BMI applications have traditionally been limited to short (1.5-mm) electrodes targeting cortical sites exposed on the brain surface. The surgical methodology described here enables safe and accurate implantation of custom-length arrays into deep sulcal targets such as Brodmann's area 3a. By expanding access to previously inaccessible cortical regions, this approach broadens the potential neural information available for future BMI applications.