Method for identifying stimulation target

摘要

A method for identifying a stimulation target is provided, which uses microelectrode recording and electrical impedance tomography techniques together in a composite probe. The composite probe includes at least a microelectrode recording sensor and a plurality of microelectrodes, so that after the composite probe is guided and implanted to a depth suitable for the stimulation target based on microelectrode recording signals, tissue structures surrounding the composite probe are delineated by using the plurality of microelectrodes, and the boundary of the stimulation target and the precise location of the composite probe within the stimulation target are determined. Accordingly, the present invention provides a quick and accurate direction for surgeons, eliminating the problem of not knowing the exact location of the implanted probe within the stimulation target as in the case during deep brain stimulation surgeries.

主权项

1. A method for identifying a boundary of a stimulation target, comprising the steps of:
(1) performing Computed Tomography (CT) scanning and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) on a specific region inside a patient to obtain a first implantation trajectory for the specific region; (2) arranging a plurality of electrodes on a first composite probe, and implanting the first composite probe into the specific region based on the first implantation trajectory to obtain microelectrode recording signals via the first composite probe, thereby enabling the first composite probe to be guided into a predefined depth within the stimulation target of the patient based on the microelectrode recording signals; (3) enabling the electrodes arranged on the first composite probe to inject a first electrical current into tissue structures surrounding the first composite probe and using the first composite probe to measure a first electrical potential, enabling the first composite probe to shift forward or backward along the first implantation trajectory at a predetermined distance, and thereby a second electrical current is injected into and a second electrical potential is measured for the tissue structures surrounding the first composite probe, and converting the first and second electrical potentials into a first image that delineates the tissue structures surrounding the electrodes arranged on the first composite probe; (4) reconstructing an image, position or shape of the stimulation target according to discrete data by measuring discrete values from the electrodes and a plurality of independent boundary measurements of the electrodes; and (5) identifying the boundary of the stimulation target and pin-pointing a location of the first composite probe implanted within or outside the stimulation target according to the first image.