Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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Figure 6.8
Structure of a mobile scalp electrode system able to detect and move
towards the location of the strongest neuronal signal while avoiding the
puncture of neurons.
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(Reprinted with the kind permission of the IEEE.)
but if specific networks of neurons are isolated, the approach might work.
Because the hippocampus is the most ordered and structured part of the brain
and one of the most studied, it would be meaningful to test its function first and
develop a mathematical model. Later, such models and biomimetic devices
could be translated to other regions of the human brain.
A chip containing the program can be envisioned to sit on the skull rather
than inside the brain. Communication with the brain would be achieved
through two electrode arrays placed on the either side of the damaged area.
As shown in Figure 6.9, the first array records the input electrical activity
originating from the neuron and re-routes the signal to a programmed chip.
This bypasses the damaged region of the brain. The chip then processes the
information and transmits the signal to the second electrode array, where the
signal can be communicated to the rest of the brain.
