SPACER Coherence Analysis for Deep Brain Stimulation Targeting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgeries face challenges in accurately placing electrodes due to individual anatomical differences and the heterogeneity of brain structures, leading to potential misplacement and adverse effects, particularly in targeting areas like the Substantia Nigra pars reticulata (SNr) for treating gait and postural disturbances in Parkinson's Disease.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of Stimulus Pulse Aligned Coherence analysis in Evoked Recordings (SPACER) method, which aligns recordings with stimulation pulses and analyzes coherence of Local Field Potentials (LFPs) to provide quantitative feedback for precise targeting of brain structures during DBS surgery, reducing the need for multiple tracks and improving accuracy by differentiating between target and surrounding structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional MER methods using single microelectrode and spontaneous action potential recording are used, then the neurosurgeon can identify target area, but the process is slow and provides only qualitative snapshot information at each depth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetargeting accuracyVSAvoidsurgical procedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical listening method with a computational signal processing system. Multiple microelectrode recordings are processed through automated algorithms that calculate coherence spectra and identify target areas quantitatively, substituting the neurosurgeon's auditory assessment with objective computational analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous recording and analysis across multiple depths simultaneously rather than taking discrete snapshots. By continuously monitoring coherence spectra as the electrode advances through brain tissue, the system provides uninterrupted feedback for real-time target identification, eliminating the step-by-step qualitative assessment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Measurement precision

If multiple microelectrode tracks are used to ensure accurate targeting, then targeting accuracy improves, but the risk of hemorrhage and surgical complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode placement accuracyVSAvoidhemorrhage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback through coherence spectrum analysis during electrode advancement. The system continuously monitors neural signal coherence at different depths and provides immediate feedback when the target area is reached, allowing single-track precise placement without needing multiple exploratory tracks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from qualitative action potential amplitude to quantitative coherence spectrum characteristics. By analyzing the frequency-domain properties of neural signals and their coherence across electrodes, the system achieves precise target identification through objective parameter thresholds rather than subjective auditory assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If MRI and CT imaging are used for initial target selection, then three-dimensional coordinates can be identified, but individual anatomical differences result in only approximate targeting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget selection efficiencyVSAvoidtarget location accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary anatomical mapping using MRI and CT imaging to establish initial three-dimensional coordinates and surgical trajectories. This preliminary action guides the electrode placement path, after which the intraoperative coherence analysis refines the exact target location within the predefined trajectory, combining preoperative planning with intraoperative precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20230105900A1Technique to improve deep brain stimulation targeting during intraoperative microelectrode recordings

Publication Date: 2023.04.06 STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

AI summary

A method of localizing brain regions for the purpose of guiding placement of electrodes and related implants is disclosed. The inventive method involves effecting a pulse in a patient's brain, temporally aligning readings taken from an electrode at various depths, measuring local field potentials at each depth during interstimulus intervals, performing a coherence analysis comparing the local field potential measurements of the different depths, and determining a corresponding brain region for the depths compared.