Integration and Long-Term Use of the CorTec-BCI2000 Platform in an In Vivo Canine Model

Abstract

As neuromodulation and implantable braincomputer interfaces (iBCIs) technologies mature, there is a growing demand for flexible, open-source platforms that support exploratory and translational research. Existing systems are limited by few sensing channels, closed software interfaces, and reliance on clinical infrastructure, which hinders innovation and adoption. Addressing these barriers is critical for advancing therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders. This study presents the integration of the CorTec Brain Interchange (BIC) device with the BCI2000 software suite and its long-term deployment in a preclinical canine model. Three canines—one epileptic—were implanted with BIC device paired with electrocorticography (ECoG) or deep-brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes and monitored over two years. We evaluated the platform's impedance profiles, packet loss, and reliability of the neural recordings. Comparative analyses of referencing strategies revealed that lead-specific common average referencing is suitable for reducing broadband background noise, whereas bipolar rereferencing is better suited for analyzing low-frequency oscillatory components. Furthermore, automated spike detection successfully distinguished interictal discharges in both epileptic and nonepileptic subjects. These results validate the CorTec-BCI2000 ecosystem as a robust and adaptable platform for chronic neural recording. The system's modular, open-source design promotes reproducibility, facilitates methodological innovation, and strengthens the translational pipeline for neuromodulation therapies in both research and clinical settings.

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Source: Lampert, F., Ayyoubi, A. H., Besheli, B. F., Engelhardt, W., Mivalt, F., Jensen, M. A., ... & Miller, K. J. (2025, November). Integration and Long-Term Use of the CorTec-BCI2000 Platform in an In Vivo Canine Model. In 2025 12th International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering (NER) (pp. 1-6). IEEE.