Method of implantation of a medical device into neural tissue

A method of providing an oblong implantation channel in nervous tissue of a person or a mammal for implantation of a medical device or other object into said tissue by insertion into the channel, the device or object being insufficiently physically stable for implantation by direct insertion into the tissue, the method comprising:

• a) providing a channel-forming apparatus comprising a rotationally symmetric, rigid pin having:
• (i) a length exceeding the length of the channel to be provided;
• having a front end and a rear end;
• (ii) a section, extending from its front end towards its rear end of a length corresponding to at least the length of the channel, that is enclosed by a layer of gel forming agent or a layer comprising gel forming agent;
• and
• (iii) a sufficient rigidity to allow it to be inserted into nervous tissue in absence of the layer comprising or consisting of gel forming agent;
• b) inserting the pin into nervous tissue with its front end foremost;
• c) allowing an aqueous gel to be formed around the pin by the contact of gel forming agent with aqueous body fluid;
• and
• d) withdrawing the pin from the gel.