Safety and function of a new clinical intracerebral microinjection instrument for stem cells and therapeutics examined in the Göttingen minipig.

Background: A new intracerebral microinjection instrument (IMI) allowing multiple electrophysiologically guided micro-volume injections from a single proximal injection path in rats has been adapted to clinical use by coupling the IMI to an FHC microTargeting Manual Drive, designed to be used with standard stereotactic frame-based systems and FHC frameless microTargeting Platforms. Methods: The function and safety of the device was tested by conducting bilateral electrophysiologically guided microinjections of fluorescent microspheres in the substantia nigra of 4 Gottingen minipigs. Results: The device was easy to handle and enabled accurate electrophysiologically guided targeting of the substantia nigra with minimal local tissue damage. Conclusion: The IMI is suitable for clinical use and may prove useful for various stereotactic procedures that require high levels of precision and/or three-dimensional distribution of therapeutics within the brain. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel