Omnidirectional Deployable Multichannel Neural Electrode System

Abstract

A neural probe system having a single guide tube that is inserted into neural tissue and from which a number of neural probes can be deployed is described. Each probe is deployable into tissue along a desired trajectory. This is done by supporting the electrode array on a spring tape-type carrier that maintains axial stiffness once the neural probe has deployed out a channel in the guide tube. That way, a target neural tissue is bounded by an increased number of neural probes while minimizing trauma to surrounding body tissue.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A neural intervention system, comprising:
 a) a guide tube comprising a guide tube sidewall extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal guide tube portion having a proximal guide tube end to a distal guide tube portion having a distal guide tube end, wherein a tube lumen extends from the proximal guide tube end to at least the guide tube portion;   b) at least one deployment channel disposed inside the guide tube, the deployment channel comprising a channel sidewall defining a channel lumen extending from a proximal channel open end to a distal channel open end as an open port at the guide tube sidewall, wherein the proximal channel end resides along a first imaginary plane aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;   c) at least one neural probe extending from a proximal probe end to a distal probe portion having a distal probe end, wherein the distal probe portion has at least one electrode configured for electrical stimulation of body tissue or recording of biological characteristics, and wherein at least the distal probe end is received in the deployment channel;   d) an actuation mechanism having a length extending from a proximal actuation end to a distal actuation portion,   e) wherein with the distal probe end received in the deployment lumen and the proximal probe end connected to the distal actuation portion, the proximal actuation portion is movable in a distal direction along the longitudinal axis to cause the at least one neural probe to move through the deployment channel and out the distal channel open end to thereby move the at least one electrode of the probe into a body tissue.