Implantable neural interface

A neural interface arrangement comprising:

• a plurality of probes for subdural implantation into or onto a human brain, each probe including at least one sensing electrode, a coil for receiving power via inductive coupling, signal processing circuitry coupled to the sensing electrode(s), and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data-carrying signals arising from the sensing electrode(s);
• an array of coils for implantation above the dura, beneath the skull, the array of coils being for inductively coupling with the coil of each of the plurality of probes, for transmitting power to the probes;
• and
• a primary coil connected to the array of coils, the primary coil being for inductively coupling with an external transmitter device, for receiving power from the external transmitter device;
• wherein, in use, the primary coil is operable to receive power from the external transmitter device by inductive coupling and to cause the array of coils to transmit power to the plurality of probes by inductive coupling;
• and
• wherein, in use, the plurality of probes are operable to wirelessly transmit data-carrying signals arising from the sensing electrodes.

Use of a system comprising a neural interface arrangement, and an external transmitter device and an external receiver device, or an external transceiver device, to control a connected device;

• wherein the neural interface arrangement comprises:
• a plurality of probes subdurally implanted into or onto a human brain, each probe including at least one sensing electrode, a coil for receiving power via inductive coupling, signal processing circuitry coupled to the sensing electrode(s), and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data-carrying signals arising from the sensing electrode(s);
• an array of coils implanted above the dura, beneath the skull, the array of coils being for inductively coupling with the coil of each of the plurality of probes, for transmitting power to the probes;
• and
• a primary coil connected to the array of coils, the primary coil being for inductively coupling with an external transmitter device, for receiving power from the external transmitter device;
• wherein the primary coil receives power from the external transmitter device by inductive coupling and causes the array of coils to transmit power to the plurality of probes by inductive coupling;
• and
• wherein the plurality of probes wirelessly transmit data-carrying signals arising from the sensing electrodes to the external receiver/transceiver device.

A surgical method of installing a neural interface arrangement into a patient, the neural interface arrangement comprising:

• a plurality of probes for subdural implantation into or onto a human brain, each probe including at least one sensing electrode, a coil for receiving power via inductive coupling, signal processing circuitry coupled to the sensing electrode(s), and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data-carrying signals arising from the sensing electrode(s);
• an array of coils for implantation above the dura, beneath the skull, the array of coils being for inductively coupling with the coil of each of the plurality of probes, for transmitting power to the probes;
• and
• a primary coil connected to the array of coils, the primary coil being for inductively coupling with an external transmitter device, for receiving power from the external transmitter device;
• wherein, in use, the primary coil is operable to receive power from the external transmitter device by inductive coupling and to cause the array of coils to transmit power to the plurality of probes by inductive coupling;
• and
• wherein, in use, the plurality of probes are operable to wirelessly transmit data-carrying signals arising from the sensing electrodes;
• the surgical method comprising:
• removing a section of the patient's skull, and associated skin;
• opening the dura beneath the removed skull;
• implanting the plurality of probes into or onto the patient's brain;
• sealing the dura over the implanted probes;
• and
• re-fitting the removed skull section or an artificial replacement therefor, with the array of coils having been installed beneath the skull, above the dura, and the primary coil having been installed beneath the skin, above the skull, or elsewhere on the patient's body.