Brain Tissue Localization via Simultaneous Electrical Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for distinguishing between malignant and healthy brain tissue during neurosurgical interventions are time-consuming, requiring multiple individual electrical stimulations and image recordings, which can lead to prolonged procedures and potential oversight of brain tissue areas.
Innovation Solution
A method that optimizes the number and sequence of electrical stimulations, allowing for simultaneous or closely timed stimulations without intermediate rest periods, using a single reference image for comparison, and optimizing electrode placement to minimize overlap and shadows, thereby reducing the overall procedure time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple individual electrical stimulations are performed sequentially with rest periods and intermediate reference image recordings, then the accuracy and completeness of brain tissue examination is improved, but the procedure time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple stimulations into parallel execution by optimizing electrode placement and stimulation timing. Multiple electrodes stimulate different brain regions simultaneously, and the control system coordinates stimulation sequences to avoid interference, eliminating the need for sequential rest periods between stimulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary optimization of electrode placement and stimulation parameters before the actual examination. The system pre-calculates optimal stimulation sequences and electrode positions to maximize coverage while minimizing interference, allowing subsequent stimulations to be executed efficiently without intermediate adjustments or rest periods.
2Measurement precision
If multiple reference images are recorded between stimulations, then the functional state assessment accuracy is improved, but the procedure complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single reference image that serves multiple purposes for assessing different brain regions. The control system processes this universal reference image to evaluate functional changes across all stimulated areas, eliminating the need for multiple specialized reference images and simplifying the overall procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of the reference image through image processing techniques. The system generates multiple virtual reference representations from a single physical reference image, allowing simultaneous comparison across different stimulation locations without requiring multiple physical reference recordings.
3Reliability
If stimulations are performed one after another with intermediate rest periods, then the functional changes can be clearly observed, but the overall procedure efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic stimulation patterns where electrodes are activated in optimized sequences rather than continuously or randomly. The control system applies periodic stimulation at different locations with timing designed to capture functional changes while maintaining clear observation conditions, achieving both reliability and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates idle rest periods between stimulations by continuously performing useful measurements. The system transitions seamlessly between stimulation locations, capturing functional data continuously throughout the procedure, thereby maximizing productivity without compromising the ability to detect functional changes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly shortens the time required for the stimulation procedure by eliminating unnecessary rest periods and optimizing stimulation locations and sequences, ensuring thorough coverage of brain tissue areas while minimizing overlap and shadows in imaging.
Implementation Method 1
the exposed cortex (a thin layer of nerve cells at the outer periphery of the brain) is electrically stimulated at discrete points with bipolar electrodes
Implementation Method 2
the responses to the stimulation in the form of changes in the optical properties of the cortical tissue are recorded, for example with a camera
Data Source
AI summary
A method for locating a functional brain tissue by electrical stimulation includes performing electrical stimulations of different areas of the brain tissue to activate brain tissue regions identifying the functional brain tissue, recording an image or a video sequence of the brain tissue during and/or after a stimulation, comparing the recorded image or the video sequence with a reference image or a reference video sequence recorded without stimulation to determine a position of the brain tissue region that is activated by the stimulation. At least two stimulations of a plurality of electrical stimulations are performed, one directly after the other or simultaneously, and the recording of an image or a video sequence of the portion of brain tissue takes place during and/or after each performance of one of the at least two stimulations or during and/or after the simultaneous performance of the at least two stimulations.