Self-locking cerebral electrical probe

摘要

A self-locking encephalic electrical probe is used for stereoelectroencephalographic exploration in the treatment of epilepsy or other brain diseases. The probe includes a long, hollow, flexible tube of small diameter, preferably made of medium density polyethylene. A series of at least two electrically conductive rings, preferably made of silver, are located close to one another along the tube for detecting the electrical activity of nerve cells. A series of insulated electrical conductors are located inside the hollow tube, each conductor connecting a conductive ring to a multi-contact terminal located outside the hollow tube. A removable stylet is inserted into the hollow tube to give it rigidity and to control the direction of introduction of the probe into the brain. The stylet is removed from the tube to restore flexibility to the tube after the probe has been introduced in the brain. A self-locking rigid anchor preferably made of stainless steel holds the probe in place. The anchor is funnel-shaped and quickly and firmly fixes the hollow tube to the brain-pan of the patient after the probe has been introduced to the selected depth in the brain. The probe is used in conjunction with other probes for transmitting to a receptor the cerebral activity of the patient which is recorded and analyzed. As a result of this analysis, a medical staff may accurately locate the region of the brain that must be operated upon to cure the patient.