Minimally Invasive Brain Computer Interfaces: Evaluating the Impact of Tissue Layers on Signal Quality of Sub-Scalp EEG

Fuente: arXiv
Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mahoney, Timothy B, Liu, JingYang, Xin, Huakun, Grayden, David B, John, Sam E
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
Subjects:
Online Access:
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1866909636632772608
author Mahoney, Timothy B
Liu, JingYang
Xin, Huakun
Grayden, David B
John, Sam E
author_facet Mahoney, Timothy B
Liu, JingYang
Xin, Huakun
Grayden, David B
John, Sam E
contents Individuals with severe physical disabilities often experience diminished quality of life stemming from limited ability to engage with their surroundings. Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology aims to bridge this gap by enabling direct technology interaction. However, current BCI systems require invasive procedures, such as craniotomy or implantation of electrodes through blood vessels, posing significant risks to patients. Sub-scalp electroencephalography (EEG) offers a lower risk alternative. This study investigates the signal quality of sub-scalp EEG recordings from various depths in a sheep model, and compares results with other methods: ECoG and endovascular arrays. A computational model was also constructed to investigate the factors underlying variations in electrode performance. We demonstrate that peg electrodes placed within the sub-scalp space can achieve visual evoked potential signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) approaching that of ECoG. Endovascular arrays exhibited SNR comparable to electrodes positioned on the periosteum. Furthermore, sub-scalp recordings captured high gamma neural activity, with maximum bandwidth ranging from 120 Hz to 180 Hz depending on electrode depth. These findings support the use of sub-scalp EEG for BCI applications, and provide valuable insights for future sub-scalp electrode design. This data lays the groundwork for human trials, ultimately paving the way for chronic, in-home BCIs that empower individuals with physical disabilities.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2506_03452
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Minimally Invasive Brain Computer Interfaces: Evaluating the Impact of Tissue Layers on Signal Quality of Sub-Scalp EEG
Mahoney, Timothy B
Liu, JingYang
Xin, Huakun
Grayden, David B
John, Sam E
Signal Processing
Individuals with severe physical disabilities often experience diminished quality of life stemming from limited ability to engage with their surroundings. Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology aims to bridge this gap by enabling direct technology interaction. However, current BCI systems require invasive procedures, such as craniotomy or implantation of electrodes through blood vessels, posing significant risks to patients. Sub-scalp electroencephalography (EEG) offers a lower risk alternative. This study investigates the signal quality of sub-scalp EEG recordings from various depths in a sheep model, and compares results with other methods: ECoG and endovascular arrays. A computational model was also constructed to investigate the factors underlying variations in electrode performance. We demonstrate that peg electrodes placed within the sub-scalp space can achieve visual evoked potential signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) approaching that of ECoG. Endovascular arrays exhibited SNR comparable to electrodes positioned on the periosteum. Furthermore, sub-scalp recordings captured high gamma neural activity, with maximum bandwidth ranging from 120 Hz to 180 Hz depending on electrode depth. These findings support the use of sub-scalp EEG for BCI applications, and provide valuable insights for future sub-scalp electrode design. This data lays the groundwork for human trials, ultimately paving the way for chronic, in-home BCIs that empower individuals with physical disabilities.
title Minimally Invasive Brain Computer Interfaces: Evaluating the Impact of Tissue Layers on Signal Quality of Sub-Scalp EEG
topic Signal Processing
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.03452