Two-Channel EEG Delirium Prediction Before Surgery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for diagnosing postoperative delirium are inadequate, lacking standardized diagnostic tools and relying on subjective assessments, particularly for elderly patients with cognitive impairments, and current EEG systems are cumbersome with many electrodes.

Innovation Solution

A delirium occurrence predicting method and device using a simplified two-channel EEG system focused on median dominant frequency (MDF) values between 5.5 to 13 Hz to predict postoperative delirium likelihood, providing early diagnosis through EEG signals obtained prior to surgery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a standardized diagnostic method for delirium is implemented, then diagnostic consistency and reliability are improved, but the complexity of the diagnostic system increases due to multiple observation and interview requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic consistencyVSAvoiddiagnostic system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual observation and interviews with an automated EEG-based diagnostic system. The EEG device objectively measures brain wave patterns to detect delirium, substituting the complex human-driven diagnostic process with an automated physiological measurement system that provides consistent results without requiring multiple observers or interviewers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces EEG signals as an intermediary objective measure between the patient's cognitive state and the diagnostic conclusion. Instead of directly observing behavioral symptoms requiring interpretation, the system uses EEG brain wave patterns as an intermediate indicator that objectively reflects delirium status, simplifying the diagnostic pathway while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If EEG-based cognitive function measurement is used, then objectivity and reliability of assessment are improved, but the complexity and cost of equipment increases due to multiple electrodes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassessment objectivityVSAvoidEEG equipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential EEG channels needed for delirium detection from the complete 64-channel EEG system. By identifying and utilizing specifically the frontal midline theta (FMT) and other critical brain regions relevant to delirium, the system removes unnecessary electrodes and complexity while retaining the objective physiological measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by focusing EEG measurement on specific brain regions (frontal lobes, temporal lobes) that are most relevant to delirium detection rather than uniformly measuring all brain areas. This targeted approach places electrodes only where physiologically necessary, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining diagnostic reliability for the specific condition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of information

If traditional 64-channel EEG system is used, then comprehensive brain function coverage is improved, but ease of operation and user convenience deteriorates due to cumbersome electrode placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrain function coverageVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and utilizes only the critical EEG channels necessary for delirium detection from the comprehensive 64-channel system. By identifying the specific brain regions involved in delirium pathophysiology, the system removes the majority of electrodes that do not contribute to the specific diagnostic goal, dramatically simplifying the procedure while maintaining sufficient information for accurate diagnosis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using a subset of EEG channels (rather than the full 64 channels) that is sufficient for delirium detection. The system performs only the necessary measurements for the specific diagnostic purpose, avoiding the excessive complexity of comprehensive whole-brain mapping while still capturing the relevant physiological information needed for reliable delirium assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Enables early prediction of postoperative delirium with reduced equipment complexity and cost, allowing for targeted prevention strategies and informed surgical decisions.

Implementation Method 1

The electroencephalogram (EEG, brainwave) is an electrophysiological monitoring method which records electrical activity of the scalp

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical activity detection: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260020801A1Method for predicting delirium occurrence, and device for predicting delirium occurrence using same

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 HUMANBODY ANTI AGING STANDARD RESER CO LTD

AI summary

The present specification provided a method and device for providing information on delirium occurrence, wherein the information is provided prior to surgery. The method, which is implemented by a processor, comprises the steps of: receiving an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal obtained from an individual prior to surgery; and predicting the likelihood of postoperative delirium occurrence based on the received EEG signal.