Microtextured Surfaces for Deep-Brain Stimulation Electrodes: A Biologically Inspired Design to Reduce Lead Migration

ObjectiveHardware-related complications of deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery have been reported with adverse effects in postoperative electrode migration. We report that the addition of microtextured features to the surface of a DBS-like probe can minimize the extent of electrode migration in ex vivo porcine brain.MethodsA DBS lead and microtextured strips, mounted with a fiberoptic displacement sensor, were embedded 15-mm deep inside a cadaveric porcine brain through holes on the skull. The local displacement of brain tissue surrounding each strip was detected along the direction of insertion by the optical sensor while the porcine head simulated brain shift during rotation between supine and upright postures.ResultsThe triangular toothed strip with protruding height of 250 μm enabled a better grip of the surrounding brain tissue than standard DBS lead, minimizing local brain displacement to 77 μm versus 326 μm respectively, when the porcine head was shifted from the supine to the upright position as the result of gravity. In addition, brain tissue damage resulting from the removal of toothed strips exhibited less-extensive tissue disruption, attributable to the microtextured surface.ConclusionsThese preliminary results show that microtextured strips embedded into cadaveric porcine brain produce an anchoring effect on local tissue during brain shift, suggesting a way to reduce DBS lead migration without additional tissue damage beyond the strip geometry.