Stainless steel skin staples--a useful electrode system for long-term electrophysiological measurements in neurosurgery. Technical note.

Stainless steel staples commonly used for skin suture were tested for their suitability as electrodes for recording electrophysiological data. Investigations were performed in vivo and as well as in vitro, and showed the typical behaviour of electrodes made from a polarizable metal, i.e., an increase of electrode impedance with low frequencies. In spite of this fact most electrophysiological data can be recorded if the input impedance of the amplifier is in the common range of 100 MOhms. Advantage of these electrodes is their quick and easy application, their resistance to mechanical stress and the possibility of leaving them in place for a long time.