EEG Wiring Array Net Structure for MRI Artifact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
EEG measurements in the presence of magnetic fields, such as during MRI or TMS, are affected by noise artifacts like motion and gradient artifacts, which reduce the precision of neural signal detection and interpretation.
Innovation Solution
A novel wiring array configuration with intersecting wire bundles forms a net structure, allowing for bipolar electrode measurements along and across bundles, enabling simultaneous data collection and using separation algorithms like PCA or ICA to distinguish and suppress artifacts, thereby improving the accuracy of neural signal profiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If EEG measurements are performed in the presence of a magnetic field, then simultaneous brain activity monitoring is enabled, but noise artifacts (motion and gradient artifacts) significantly reduce measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wire bundles into multiple sub-bundles with wires arranged in a spiral configuration. This segmentation reduces the loop area formed by adjacent wires, thereby decreasing the induced current from gradient fields and reducing gradient artifacts in the EEG signal while maintaining the ability to perform simultaneous EEG and MRI measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary shielding layer between the wire bundles and the magnetic field source. This shielding layer acts as a mediator that blocks or attenuates the magnetic field interference from reaching the EEG wires, reducing both motion and gradient artifacts while allowing the simultaneous measurement function to continue
2Ease of operation
If wire bundles are used to connect EEG electrodes, then signal transmission is simplified, but motion artifacts are generated due to wire movement in the magnetic field
Solution Approach 1:
The wire bundles are segmented into multiple smaller sub-bundles with spiral wire arrangements. This segmentation reduces the effective loop area that can pick up motion-induced currents, thereby decreasing motion artifacts while maintaining the simplified connection structure between electrodes and monitoring device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible, movable connections within the wire bundles that can dynamically adjust to patient movement without generating significant artifacts. The spiral wire configuration allows the bundle to flex and move with the patient while maintaining electrical connectivity and minimizing loop area for artifact generation
3Reliability
If multiple wire bundles are used for EEG measurements, then signal coverage is improved, but gradient artifacts increase due to larger loop areas
Solution Approach 1:
Each wire bundle is divided into multiple sub-bundles with spiral wire configurations. This segmentation maintains signal coverage across multiple channels while reducing the loop area of individual wire pairs, thereby decreasing gradient artifacts. The multiple sub-bundles work together to provide comprehensive signal coverage without the artifact problems of large-loop configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar wire arrangement to a three-dimensional spiral configuration within the wire bundles. This dimensional change reduces the effective loop area projected in the plane perpendicular to the magnetic field gradient, thereby reducing gradient artifacts while maintaining adequate spatial coverage for reliable EEG signal acquisition
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 reduces motion and gradient artifacts, enhancing the precision of EEG readings and allowing for more accurate interpretation of neural signals, even in challenging magnetic field environments.
Implementation Method 1
A wiring array is provided for connecting a bipolar electrodes arrangement to an EEG monitoring device. Each group includes a plurality of wire bundles extending along two intersecting lines (axes), and crossing each other to form a net structure.
Implementation Method 2
In MRI, a magnetic field is used to align the nuclear magnetization of predetermined materials in the fluids of a body.
Implementation Method 3
Radio frequency (RF) fields are used to systematically alter the alignment of this magnetization. This causes the materials to produce a rotating magnetic field detectable by a scanner.
Implementation Method 4
EEG technique involves measurements of electrical signals generated by the brain's neurons, via a multitude of electrodes placed on a patient's scalp.
Data Source
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AI summary
A measurement device is presented for use in an EEG measurement performed in the presence of a magnetic field. The device comprises a wiring array for connecting an electrodes arrangement to an electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring device. The wiring array comprises a plurality of sampling lines arranged to form a first group of sampling lines arranged in a spaced-apart substantially parallel relationship extending along a first axis, at least some of said sampling lines being wire bundles of said first group comprising a plurality of first wires for connecting to a corresponding first plurality of electrodes of said EEG electrodes arrangement; and a second group of sampling lines arranged in a spaced-apart substantially parallel relationship extending along a second axis, intersecting with said first axis, such that said second group of bundles crosses said first group of bundles to form a net structure, at least some of said sampling lines being wire bundles of said second group comprising a plurality of second wires for connecting to a corresponding second plurality of electrodes of said EEG electrodes' arrangement. The wiring array is configured and operable for transmitting a signal measured by the respective electrodes to the EEG monitoring device, enabling generation of EEG data indicative of the neural signal profile along two directions and characterized by reduced motion artifact and/or reduced gradient artifact associated with the presence of the magnetic field during the EEG measurement.