Discrimination of the Micro Electrode Recordings for STN Localization during DBS Surgery in Parkinson’s Patients

During deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment of Parkinson disease, the target of the surgery is a small (9 x 7 x 4 mm) deep within brain placed structure called

Subthalamic

Nucleus

(

STN

). It is similar morphologically to the surrounding tissue and as such poorly visible in CT or MRI. The goal of the surgery is the permanent precise placement of the stimulating electrode within target nucleus. Precision is extremely important as wrong placement of the stimulating electrode may lead to serious mood disturbances. To obtain exact location of the

STN

nucleus an intraoperative stereotactic supportive navigation is being used. A set of 3 to 5 parallel micro electrodes is inserted into brain and in measured steps advanced towards expected location of the nucleus. At each step electrodes record activity of the surrounding neural tissue. Because

STN

has a distinct physiology, the signals recorded within it also display specific features. It is therefore possible to provide analytical methods targeted for detection of those

STN

specific characteristics. Basing on such methods this paper presents clustering and classification approaches for discrimination of the micro electrode recordings coming from the

STN

nucleus. Application of those methods during the neurosurgical procedure might lessen the risks of medical complications and might also shorten the – out of necessity awake – part of the surgery.