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Improved Methods for Acrylic-Free Implants in Non-Human Primates for Neuroscience Research

Resource type
Date created
2017-08-30
Authors/Contributors
Abstract
Traditionally, head fixation devices and recording cylinders have been implanted in nonhuman primates (NHP) using dental acrylic despite several shortcomings associated with acrylic. The use of more biocompatible materials such as titanium and PEEK is becoming more prevalent in NHP research. We describe a cost effective set of procedures that maximizes the integration of headposts and recording cylinders with the animal’s tissues while reducing surgery time. Nine rhesus monkeys were implanted with titanium headposts, and one of these was also implanted with a recording chamber. In each case, a three-dimensional printed replica of the skull was created based on computerized tomography scans. The titanium feet of the headposts were shaped, and the skull thickness was measured preoperatively, reducing surgery time by up to 70%. The recording cylinder was manufactured to conform tightly to the skull, which was fastened to the skull with four screws and remained watertight for 8.5 mo. We quantified the amount of regression of the skin edge at the headpost. We found a large degree of variability in the timing and extent of skin regression that could not be explained by any single recorded factor. However, there was not a single case of bone exposure; although skin retracted from the titanium, skin also remained adhered to the skull adjacent to those regions. The headposts remained fully functional and free of complications for the experimental life of each animal, several of which are still participating in experiments more than 4 yr after implant.
Document
Identifier
DOI: 10.1152/jn.00191.2017
Published as
Overton JA, Cooke DF, Goldring AB, Lucero S, Weatherford C, Recanzone GH. (2017) Improved methods for acrylic-free implants in non-human primates for neuroscience research. Journal of Neurophysiology, 118, 3252–3270. doi:10.1152/jn.00191.2017
Publication title
Journal of Neurophysiology
Document title
Improved methods for acrylic-free implants in non-human primates for neuroscience research
Date
2017
First page
3252
Last page
3270
Publisher DOI
10.1152/jn.00191.2017
Copyright statement
Copyright is held by the author(s).
Scholarly level
Peer reviewed?
Yes
Language
English

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