High-Density Multi-Depth Human Recordings Using 45 mm Long Neuropixels Probes

TL;DR

This study demonstrates the safe use of Neuropixels 1.0 NHP Long probes in humans during neurosurgery, enabling high-density, multi-depth neural recordings with single-neuron resolution across various brain regions.

Contribution

First successful deployment of Neuropixels 1.0 NHP Long probes in human intraoperative settings, expanding capabilities for high-resolution brain recordings in clinical applications.

Findings

Successful intraoperative recordings from multiple brain regions

Probes enabled dense, multi-depth sampling with high temporal resolution

No adverse events or probe breakage reported

Abstract

Neuropixels probes, initially developed for use in small animal models, have transformed basic neuroscience by enabling high-density, single-cell resolution recordings across multiple brain regions simultaneously. The recent development of Neuropixels 1.0 NHP Long, a longer probe designed for non-human primates, has expanded this capability, enabling unprecedented simultaneous access to multiple cortical layers and deep brain structures of large-brained animals. Here, we report the first use of these probes in humans, aiming to establish safe intraoperative use and assess feasibility for clinical and research applications. Nine patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures, including epilepsy or tumor resection and deep brain stimulation (DBS) implantation, were enrolled. Successful intraoperative recordings were obtained from surface and deep cortical structures without probe breakage or adverse events. Compared with conventional electrodes, the Neuropixels probe enabled dense sampling across multiple parenchymal depths with submillisecond temporal resolution. Recordings were obtained from deep targets including the hippocampus and cingulate cortex, as well as from regions that are challenging to access with single-unit precision, such as the superior frontal sulcus. Custom tools and refined workflows lowered technical barriers for operative use and improved recording stability. Neural activity was observed across all recordings. Neuropixels 1.0-NHP Long probes can be deployed in the human operating room, enabling simultaneous recordings from multiple brain structures at single-neuron resolution. These methods expand opportunities for studying human brain function and pathology in vivo, and may ultimately support the development of more precise neurosurgical interventions.