A new metamaterial for MRI-safe deep brain stimulation leads

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) leads have become a valuable tool in neuroscience for diagnosing and treating various neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease [1]. However, commercially available leads have limited compatibility with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hindering the possibility for patients with intracranial implants to benefit from the diagnostic potential of functional MRI [2]. Therefore, the development of MRI-safe DBS leads is necessary to promote new advances in the field. Here, we propose a novel technology to fabricate the internal microwires of DBS leads, that was specifically designed to ensure safe operation with MRI up to 3T. The technology is designed to include a steep interface between two segments of metals that are layered onto a non-conductive substrate. The abrupt resistance variation at the interface breaks up the RF-induced current, reducing distal electrode heating, specific absorption rate (SAR), and MRI artifacts [3].