Infrared Thermography for High-Resolution Intraoperative Brain Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current direct electrical stimulation (DES) methods for intraoperative surgical mapping in neurosurgery are limited by low spatial resolution, inability to map multiple regions simultaneously, potential for seizures, and lengthy stimulation trials, leading to false negatives and postoperative neurologic deficits, especially in advanced glioma resections.
Innovation Solution
An intraoperative thermal imaging system using an infrared thermal camera and computer processing to generate high-resolution functional maps by analyzing thermal responses during patient tasks, combined with automated task administration and motion correction, enabling precise localization and network mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct electrical stimulation (DES) is used for functional mapping, then functional regions can be identified, but spatial resolution is low (1 cm) and multiple regions cannot be mapped simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical stimulation system (DES) with an optical imaging system (infrared thermal camera). This substitution enables simultaneous capture of thermal signals from the entire exposed brain surface at high spatial resolution (100 μm) without the sequential limitation of electrode-based methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional point-by-point electrical stimulation to two-dimensional full-field optical imaging. The infrared camera captures thermal emissions across the entire craniotomy site simultaneously, adding a spatial dimension to the mapping process and enabling parallel observation of multiple functional regions.
2Reliability
If direct electrical stimulation (DES) is used for functional mapping, then functional regions can be identified, but procedure time is lengthy (up to 30 minutes per site)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous thermal imaging during the entire surgical procedure. The infrared camera continuously monitors temperature changes across the brain surface, capturing functional responses in real-time without interruption. This continuous observation eliminates the need for repeated stimulation trials and enables complete mapping in a single continuous recording session.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs functional mapping during the surgical procedure itself, before tumor resection begins. By capturing thermal responses to functional tasks during this pre-resection period, the system obtains complete functional maps without requiring postoperative verification or additional stimulation trials, thereby reducing total procedure time.
3Measurement precision
If direct electrical stimulation (DES) is used for functional mapping, then functional regions can be identified, but seizures may be provoked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical stimulation modality with optical thermal imaging. Instead of delivering electrical currents that can trigger seizures, the system uses an infrared camera to passively detect thermal emissions from the brain surface. This non-invasive optical approach eliminates the risk of stimulation-induced seizures while maintaining functional localization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal radiation as an intermediary between the brain's neural activity and the measurement device. Rather than directly stimulating neurons with electricity, the system detects the thermal signature of neural activity through infrared radiation. This intermediary approach allows functional mapping without direct electrical interaction that could provoke seizures.
4Area of stationary object
If direct electrical stimulation (DES) is used for functional mapping, then one region can be tested at a time, but large area mapping is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional point stimulation to two-dimensional full-field imaging. The infrared camera captures the entire exposed brain surface simultaneously at high spatial resolution (100 μm), enabling both large area coverage and fine functional resolution without the trade-off inherent in sequential electrode mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mapping system that simultaneously serves multiple functions: it captures thermal signals from the entire brain surface, resolves fine spatial details (100 μm), and identifies multiple functional regions in parallel. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need to choose between mapping area and resolution that plagues traditional DES approaches.
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
Provides high spatial (100 μm) and temporal (30 Hz) resolution mapping, avoiding stimulation-induced seizures, allowing simultaneous large area mapping, and reducing procedure time, thereby improving surgical precision and minimizing postoperative deficits.
Implementation Method 1
Infrared thermography for intraoperative functional mapping
Data Source
AI summary
A system is described, which provides a realtime, thermal-based intraoperative brain mapping system. In general, the system integrates a thermal camera that provides a map of temperature changes, while simultaneously providing stimuli and recording behavioral responses. The system can implement real-time processing of data to produce functional maps. The present disclosure also provides methods for characterizing the spatial and temporal properties of the thermodynamic response, which can be used to optimize an infrared mapping procedure.