Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Washington have received a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to create a dural smart port that will allow direct access to the brain using optical and electrical stimulation, as well as recording. The port will use artificial intelligence to selectively stimulate tissue regrowth and seizure intervention.
The device represents the successor to the current artificial dura, small ports replacing the connective tissue (dura) surrounding the brain, providing access to the organ. Artificial dura may be removed for short periods of time to place electrodes to allow for stimulation and recording, though not without risk of infection or the regrowth of dura tissue, which could obstruct the port. To prevent this, the new smart dura will utilize a biocompatible material with both optical and electrical recording and stimulation capabilities integrated into the port itself, minimizing the risk of dura growing back and the need for any regular exposure of the brain tissue underneath.
The smart dura can remain stable for multiple years, allowing researchers to investigate neural circuits and develop therapies over timeframes relevant to humans. One of the team’s goals is to make the port transparent, allowing for direct visual observation of the brain itself for imaging neural activity or blood flow. Having optical and electrical sensors permanently implanted in the dura could aid in the treatment of conditions such as brain tumors, epilepsy, or even mental illnesses. Combining this technology with machine learning and artificial intelligence could lead to new treatment paths for a variety of neurological conditions.
