The invention provides a multichannel electrode ("MC electrode") which can
perform multiple functions such as recording, stimulating and lesioning
simultaneously or sequentially upon a single insertion into a target
site. In one aspect, the MC electrode further provides imaging and drug
delivery capabilities. The invention also provides interface connectors
for connecting the MC electrode to external units such as data
acquisition and/or stimulation systems. Although the MC electrode and
associated connectors and system(s) provide an optimal way to perform
deep brain surgical procedures, the MC electrode and associated
connectors and system(s) are useful generally in any technique which
relies on recording, activating, and/or inhibiting electrical signals
produced by cells.