A Neural Implant Design Toolbox for Nonhuman Primates

Our research offers an efficient and automated method for brain and skull modeling, which is beneficial for neurosurgical planning and designing custom implants. It facilitates a simultaneous extraction of brain and skull models using a single software platform, which eliminates a requirement for extra imaging processes like commuted tomography scans. Virtual brain and skull modeling for medical imaging such as MRI or CT scans has been increasingly adopted for NHP neurosurgical planning in recent years.

These models, used alongside 3D design software and 3D printing, enable the creation of customized implants tailored to specific experiments and animals. Many non-human primate neuroscience experiments require the use of chronic cranial chambers and head posts. The use of generic implants introduces gaps between the implant and the skull, which can result in higher rates of infection, osteonecrosis, and implant instability, therefore compromising experiments and the wellbeing of the animal.

Our custom implants reduce gaps and subsequent issues. Our protocol provides researchers with a more accurate and time-effective neurosurgical planning procedure. It increases surgical planning efficacy, and reduces complications associated with NHP neuroscience experiments, thus improving scientific results overall.