ELVIS V – SURGERIES M2, M3, M4
A new phase of primate testing of the ELVIS system took place in 2024
OCTOBER 2024 года
New operations involving monkeys (M2, M3, M4)
In October 2024, new implant surgeries for monkeys (M2, M3, M4) took place as part of the ELVIS V project. The venue was the Kurchatov Medical Primatology Complex in Sochi, Russia.
Three new surgeries involving primates (M2, M3, M4) took place at the project's usual base – in the operating theatre of the Kurchatov Medical Primatology Complex (former Research Institute of Medical Primatology). Two leading neurosurgeons (A.R. Biktimirov, E.D. Isagulian), as well as a team of veterinarians, anaesthetists and technicians who provided support during all preparatory stages and the operations themselves took part in the surgery.
The ELVIS V experiments involved the same adult anubis baboons (M2, M3, M4). ELVIS electronics installation involved fixing the head implantable unit to the animal's skull and integrating the electrode array inside the skull for placement between the lobes. The animals were under anaesthesia during the operation.
The surgical protocol differed from the first experiment involving the M1 monkey because it did not involve the study in the acute phase of the experiment. Neurosurgeons performed installation of the head part of the system with subsequent immersion of the electrode array into the skull of the animal. The electrode matrix is made on a polyimide substrate and the conductive contacts are made of platinum. In total, the electrode array has 48 contact pads. The control electronics unit is insulated in a silicone sheath and has a protective housing made of medical titanium.
During the operation, surgeons also installed implantable belt units that provide power and charge to the stimulation system and receive signals from an external control computer. The electronics of the belt units have a silicone protective sheath and special insulation.
The most difficult part of the operation involves immersing a flat matrix of electrodes between the lobes of the animal's brain. The neurosurgeon performs these manipulations using a microscope.
The process of implantation of the electrode matrix was similar to the 2022 operation, it is placed in the occipital zone between the brain lobes. The integration of the matrix is performed by a neurosurgeon using a special operating microscope.
Operational control of the placement of electronics inside the animal is carried out using a mobile X–ray unit.
X–rays also allow you to monitor the placement of the belt blocks in the animal's body.
Обезьяна M2
Рентгеновский снимок обезьяны после установки электроники ELVIS
CT scans can be used to determine that the animal's body clearly shows implantable units placed both on the head and in the waist area.
Обезьяна M2
КТ-снимок обезьяны после установки электроники ELVIS
When examining the CT image in detail, the electrode array is clearly visible in the head region, which is adjacent to the visual cortex of the animal due to its location between the lobes in the occipital area.
Обезьяна M2
КТ-снимок обезьяны после установки электроники ELVIS
When viewing CT images without the modelling mode, you can also clearly see the features of the head block placement.
Обезьяна M2
КТ-снимок обезьяны после установки электроники ELVIS
During the operation, all implant units are tested with an external control device. It is this unit that is subsequently placed in the test room.
Блок настройки импланта
Проведение тестов системы в процессе операции с использованием блока настройки и ПО
The results of the experiment will be available in 2025
The results will allow to confirm the functioning of the implant during experiments
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ELVIS creates medical neuroimplants for the treatment of the most complex diseases.