High-density single-unit human cortical recordings using the Neuropixels probe

Abstract

The action potential is a fundamental unit of neural computation. Even though significant advances have been made in recording large numbers of individual neurons in animal models, translation of these methodologies to humans has been limited because of clinical constraints and electrode reliability. Here, we present a reliable method for intraoperative recording of dozens of neurons in humans using the Neuropixels probe, yielding up to ∼100 simultaneously recorded single units. Most single units were active within 1 min of reaching target depth. The motion of the electrode array had a strong inverse correlation with yield, identifying a major challenge and opportunity to further increase the probe utility. Cell pairs active close in time were spatially closer in most recordings, demonstrating the power to resolve complex cortical dynamics. Altogether, this approach provides access to population single-unit activity across the depth of human neocortex at scales previously only accessible in animal models.

Keywords: Neuropixels; extracellular recording; human electrophysiology; human intraoperative recording; single-unit recording.