“Revolutionizing Brain Surgery: How Thin Film Sensors are Making Surgery Safer and More Precise”
A groundbreaking new technology in the form of a flexible film bristling with tiny sensors could revolutionize brain surgery for patients with tumors or severe epilepsy. Developed by a team of researchers led by Dr. Ahmed Raslan at Oregon Health and Science University and engineer Shadi Dayeh at the University of California, San Diego, the film is designed to improve surgical outcomes by detecting the electrical activity of nerve cells on the brain’s surface.
The film, which resembles Saran wrap, offers a resolution 100 times higher than current sensor grids used in brain surgery. This high resolution allows for a clearer view of neural activity responsible for functions like movement, speech, sensation, and thought. By mapping brain activity more precisely, surgeons can remove diseased tissue while preserving critical functions such as language and memory.
Functional brain mapping, a process often used in brain surgery, involves placing a grid of sensors on a patient’s brain surface while they perform tasks like counting or moving a finger. The new film’s sensors provide much higher accuracy, with at least 100 points of recording compared to the current clinical grid’s one point per centimeter.
The device, which has been approved by the FDA for human testing, could also have applications beyond surgery. Researchers hope to use it as a brain-computer interface for individuals unable to communicate or move, allowing them to translate their thoughts into actions. This technology could offer a safer alternative to deep brain implants currently used for brain-computer interfaces.
Funded in part by the BRAIN Initiative, a federal research program aimed at understanding the human brain, this new sensor grid represents a significant advancement in brain research and patient care. Despite recent funding cuts to the initiative, researchers remain optimistic about the potential of this technology to improve treatment for individuals with brain disorders.
The development of this innovative sensor grid showcases the progress made in the field of brain research, defying initial skepticism from experts a decade ago. With the potential to transform brain surgery and enhance our understanding of brain function, this technology marks a significant milestone in the quest for better ways to treat neurological conditions.