Plexon offers the Plextrode™ Floating Microelectrode Array (FMA) for long-term chronic applications. The Plextrode FMA is a unique microelectrode array, designed to improve upon the benefits offered by a standard chronic array while also accommodating numerous, user-defined specifications. This allows the Plextrode FMA to be configured to specific research requirements.

The Plextrode FMA is made with a laser-drilled ceramic substrate to accommodate the number of electrodes required. The array is tethered using a bundle of 25-micron gold wires that have been coated with a a silicone elastomer. This assembly allows the rigid connection point to be situated away from the array itself, thus permitting the array to truly float with all of the movements of the brain.

The Plextrode FMA is implanted using a vacuum insertion tool specifically designed to connect to the back of the substrate. This tool, which will work with the majority of available micromanipulators, enables the user to use a very gradual insertion process that minimizes dimpling. After the depth of interest has been reached, the dura can be secured over the electrode substrate with sutures.