A profile on the WISE cortical strip for intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring.

INTRODUCTION: During intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in neurosurgery, brain electrodes are placed to record electrocorticography or to inject current for direct cortical stimulation. A low impedance electrode may improve signal quality.

AREAS COVERED: We review here a brain electrode (WISE Cortical Strip, WCS®), where a thin polymer strip embeds platinum nanoparticles to create conductive electrode contacts. The low impedance contacts enable a high signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for better detection of small signals such as high-frequency oscillations (HFO). The softness of the WCS may hinder sliding the electrode under the dura or advancing it to deeper structures as the hippocampus but assures conformability with the cortex even in the resection cavity. We provide an extensive review on WCS including a market overview, an introduction to the device (mechanistics, cost aspects, performance standards, safety and contraindications) and an overview of the available pre- and post-approval data.

EXPERT OPINION: The WCS improves signal detection by lower impedance and better conformability to the cortex. The higher signal-to-noise ratio improves the detection of challenging signals. The softness of the electrode may be a disadvantage in some applications and an advantage in others.