Brain-machine interface systems and methods
AssigneeNew York University
InventorRodolfo R. Llinas
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Abstract
A system and method for interfacing a brain with a machine. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention employs a vascular approach in which one or more nano-electrodes are deployed in vasculature having a close geometric relationship with proximal innervation. Each nano-electrode is preferably deployed in a blood vessel so that its sensing end is at or near a nerve passing close to or intersecting the blood vessel. The sensing end of each nano-electrode is adapted so as to be carried along in the blood stream so as to position the sensing end at a desired point within the blood vessel. An array of nano-electrodes of varying lengths can be used to monitor multiple nerves or neurons along a blood vessel.
Claims27
A method of sensing the activity of neural tissue, the method comprising the steps of:
- placing an electrode in a blood vessel proximate to the neural tissue, said electrode being smaller than 10 μm in diameter;
- and
- monitoring a signal on the electrode by way of a wire connected to the electrode,
- wherein the signal is indicative of the electrical brain activity of the neural tissue.
A method of sensing the activity of neural tissue, the method comprising the steps of:
- inserting an electrode in a blood vessel at a point upstream of a junction with another blood vessel to position the electrode proximate to the neural tissue, said electrode being smaller than 10 μm in diameter;
- and
- monitoring a signal on the electrode by way of a wire connected to the electrode,
- wherein the signal is indicative of the electrical brain activity of the neural tissue.
A method of stimulating neural tissue, the method comprising the steps of:
- placing an electrode in a blood vessel proximate to the neural tissue, said electrode being smaller than 10 μm in diameter;
- and
- providing a signal on the electrode by way of a wire connected to the electrode,
- wherein the signal stimulates the electrical brain activity of the neural tissue.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.