Apparatus and method of inserting a microelectrode in body tissue or the like using vibration means

摘要

An arrangement for and method of inserting a glass microelectrode having a tip in the micron range into body tissue is disclosed. The arrangement includes a microelectrode. The top of the microelectrode is attached to the diaphragm center of a first speaker. The microelectrode tip is brought into contact with the tissue by controlling a micromanipulator. Thereafter, an audio signal is applied to the speaker to cause the microelectrode to vibrate and thereby pierce the tissue surface without breaking the microelectrode tip. Thereafter, the tip is inserted into the tissue to the desired depth by operating the micromanipulator with the microelectrode in a vibratory or non-vibratory state. A mechanism including a second speaker disclosed. Such mechanism is useful to sense tissue motion to control the microelectrode position with respect thereto substantially constant.