The Brainsgate device is an electrode that is implanted in a patient's palate which when stimulated, triggers the sphenopalatine ganglion to dilate the surface blood vessels of the Brain (Pial circulation). The principle promises novel approach to treatment of acute stroke, vascular Dementia, Vasospasm in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and even augment Oncologic treatment of Brain tumors by increasing delivery of Chemotherapeutic drugs to tumor bed.
Until recently, the implantation was done through direct visualization of the patients palate by the implanter. There is a chance that the electrode can be in the wrong place thereby making it ineffective (no harm to the patient). With the new guidance system, it is easier to implant the electrode.
During a recent family trip to Israel, my son and I visited the Brainsgate Facility to get ourselves acquainted with the new guidance system and pictured is Karl Echiverri easily deploying the electrode into the Sphenopalatine fossa using the Guidance System Monitor. Once the electrode is implanted, by means of an external device utilizing bluetooth technology, the electrode is triggered to stimulate the Sphenopalatine Ganglion that then causes dilatation of the Pial Collateral Vessels, increasing delivery of blood in the surface of the Brain. This can then bypass areas of blockages such as in the situation of an acute Stroke. In cases of Tumors, it increases flow that assures delivery of drugs to tumor bed. In vascular dementia, it can potentially help by increasing microcirculation. See related Blog
Dr Henry Echiverri is a Stroke Neurologist who is certified to perform this procedure under the study protocol IMPACT-24 at Central DuPage Hospital, in Winfield, Illinois, one of the 6 Centers in the United States who are participating in the study of this device. It is currently being tested in other Stroke Centers worldwide. He is also on staff at EDWARD HOSPITAL in Naperville, IL and GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL in Downers Grove, IL. Visit the Brainsgate site for more details.
