Key points from article :
Researchers from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge have introduced a pioneering brain electrode technology that could enhance epilepsy surgeries by making them safer and less invasive.
The technology, inspired by the Japanese art of origami, involves tiny electrodes that can be folded to fit through a small 6mm incision. Once inside the brain, the device expands to cover an area five times larger than its initial size, allowing it to map brain activity more comprehensively.
This innovation aims to address the challenges of traditional brain surgeries for epilepsy, which either involve highly invasive procedures or provide limited surface area coverage.
Currently, electrocorticography (ECoG) requires a large skull incision to place electrodes directly on the brain's surface, while stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) uses thin probes that penetrate deeply into the brain but cover only a small area. The new folding electrodes could potentially combine with SEEG to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the need for extensive brain surgery.
Tested on pigs, the electrodes successfully recorded brain activity when fully expanded. The researchers plan to refine the technology and begin trials with human patients in the UK within two years. They also envision potential applications for other conditions, such as paralysis or loss of speech, and even brain tumors.
The device's ability to expand and cover a larger brain area could significantly reduce surgery time, lower infection risks, and accelerate recovery. The research highlights the potential for this technology to transform epilepsy treatment and improve quality of life for many patients. The findings are published in the journal Nature Communications.
