Closed-loop implant to target seizure-related high-frequency brain waves in drug-resistant epilepsy
Official title: Acute Modulation of Stereotyped High Frequency Oscillations with a Closed-Loop Brain Interchange System in Drug Resistant Epilepsy
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11097353 · Data updated 2026-11-12
An implantable device will try to find and interrupt seizure-related high-frequency brain waves in people whose seizures don't respond to medicines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $609,312 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3NS117944-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097353 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy who are candidates for intracranial monitoring or an implantable neurostimulation system would be the ideal participants.
✕Less likely to help
People whose seizures are well controlled with medication, those with primarily generalized epilepsy, or anyone who cannot undergo brain implantation or surgery are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
You would get a small implanted Brain Interchange device that continuously records high-frequency brain signals (iEEG) from areas suspected to start seizures. Researchers will look for repeated, stereotyped high-frequency oscillation (HFO) waveforms that their earlier work found in seizure-onset zones and compare them to irregular HFOs from non-seizure areas. When the device detects those stereotyped HFOs, it would deliver brief stimulation to interrupt the abnormal activity in a closed-loop way. The team will track recordings, stimulation events, and clinical seizure outcomes to see if the implant can safely capture and modulate these seizure-related signals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the device could better target and interrupt seizure-generating brain activity and reduce seizures for people with drug-resistant epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show HFOs can mark seizure onset zones and closed-loop stimulation can lower seizures, but using stereotyped HFO waveforms with an implantable Brain Interchange system is a novel, early approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ince, Nuri Firat — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Ince, Nuri Firat
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Single-pulse brain stimulation to improve epilepsy surgery outcomes
A new approach uses single-pulse electrical stimulation to better locate seizure-causing brain regions before epilepsy surgery, with the goal of improving chances of seizure freedom.
-
New MRI markers to find seizure zones in hard-to-treat epilepsy
Aims to use advanced MRI measures of brain stiffness and blood flow to better locate seizure regions in people with drug-resistant epilepsy.
-
Mapping hidden brain cell changes in drug-resistant epilepsy
This project looks for tiny genetic changes in brain cells of children with drug-resistant epilepsy caused by brain malformations to help guide better diagnosis and treatments.
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Finding seizure-causing brain regions in drug-resistant epilepsy using computer models
This project uses computer models of brain activity to help doctors find the areas that start seizures in people whose epilepsy does not respond to medicines.
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Noninvasive brain mapping to find seizure networks in children with hard-to-treat epilepsy
This project uses noninvasive brain recordings and connectivity maps to help locate seizure-causing networks in children whose epilepsy does not respond to medication.
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Improving care for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy
This study is all about creating a helpful mobile app that makes it easier for people with drug-resistant epilepsy to share what matters most to them with their doctors, like their mental health and daily life, so they can work together to improve their overall care.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.