Gradient index (GRIN) lenses can be used to image deep brain regions otherwise inaccessible via standard optical imaging methods. Brain tissue aspiration before GRIN lens implantation is a widely adopted approach. However, typical brain tissue aspiration methods still rely on a handheld vacuum needle, which is subjective to human error and low reproducibility. Therefore, a high-precision automated surgical instrument for brain tissue aspiration is desirable. We developed a robotic surgical instrument that utilizes robotic control of a needle connected to a vacuum pump to aspirate brain tissue. The system was based on a commercial stereotaxic instrument, and the additional parts can be purchased offthe- shelf or Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machined. A MATLAB-based userfriendly graphical user interface (GUI) was developed to control the instrument. Our robotic surgical instrument is an ideal solution for brain tissue aspiration prior to GRIN lens implantation. It will be useful for neuroscientists performing in vivo deep brain imaging using miniature microscope or two-photon microscope combined with microendoscopes.
- Automated surgical instrument for brain tissue aspiration
- Simply modified from commercial stereotaxic instrument
- Open-source user friendly GUI software in MATLAB
- Gradient index lens or micro-prism implantation for in vivo calcium imaging
- Minimize human error, reduce training time, and increase surgical precision
Bo Liang, Lifeng Zhang, Casey Moffitt, Yun Li, Da-Ting Lin, An open-source automated surgical instrument for microendoscope implantation, Journal of Neuroscience Methods, Volume 311, 2019, Pages 83-88, ISSN 0165-0270, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.10.013. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165027018303212)
Also see:
Giovanni Barbera, Bo Liang, Lifeng Zhang, Charles R. Gerfen, Eugenio Culurciello, Rong Chen, Yun Li, Da-Ting Lin, Spatially Compact Neural Clusters in the Dorsal Striatum Encode Locomotion Relevant Information, Neuron, Volume 92, Issue 1, 2016, Pages 202-213, ISSN 0896-6273, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2016.08.037. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S089662731630530X)
Bo Liang, Lifeng Zhang, Giovanni Barbera, Wenting Fang, Jing Zhang, Xiaochun Chen, Rong Chen, Yun Li, Da-Ting Lin, Distinct and Dynamic ON and OFF Neural Ensembles in the Prefrontal Cortex Code Social Exploration, Neuron, Volume 100, Issue 3, 2018, Pages 700-714.e9, ISSN 0896-6273, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2018.08.043. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896627318307724)
Lifeng Zhang, Bo Liang, Giovanni Barbera, Sarah Hawes, Yan Zhang, Kyle Stump, Ira Baum, Yupeng Yang, Yun Li, Da‐Ting Lin, Miniscope GRIN Lens System for Calcium Imaging of Neuronal Activity from Deep Brain Structures in Behaving Animals, Current protocols in neuroscience, Volume 86, Issue 1, 2019, Pages e56 ISSN 1934-8584, https://doi.org/10.1002/cpns.56 (https://currentprotocols.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cpns.56)