Comparison of Sub-Scalp EEG and Endovascular Stent-Electrode Array for Visual Evoked Potential Brain-Computer Interface

TL;DR

This study compares sub-scalp EEG and endovascular stent-electrode arrays for visual evoked potentials in a sheep, showing sub-scalp EEG's potential as a less invasive BCI signal acquisition method.

Contribution

It provides the first comparison of sub-scalp EEG and endovascular electrodes for BCI applications, demonstrating comparable signal quality in VEP recordings.

Findings

Sub-scalp EEG recorded similar VEP amplitude to stent electrodes.

Sub-scalp EEG showed comparable signal-to-noise ratio.

Bandwidth of sub-scalp EEG was similar to endovascular electrodes.

Abstract

Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) have the potential to improve the quality of life for persons with paralysis. Sub-scalp EEG provides an alternative BCI signal acquisition method that compromises between the limitations of traditional EEG systems and the risks associated with intracranial electrodes, and has shown promise in long-term seizure monitoring. However, sub-scalp EEG has not yet been assessed for suitability in BCI applications. This study presents a preliminary comparison of visual evoked potentials (VEPs) recorded using subscalp and endovascular stent electrodes in a sheep. Sub-scalp electrodes recorded comparable VEP amplitude, signal-to-noise ratio and bandwidth to the stent electrodes.