S. Marceglia and S. Bonacina (Italy)
Data base and information systems, signal processing, modeling, databank.
Two different activities can be captured thanks to DBS procedures: intraoperatively, it is possible to record neuronal action potentials in the brain tissue surrounding the DBS targeted structure, trough explorative high impedance micro-electrodes; conversely, immediately after surgery when the final electrode is not connected yet to the high frequency stimulator, it is possible to record the synchronized activity of wide neuronal populations (deep EEG), through the final low-impedance electrode implanted. In the past years, single-unit and deep EEG studies opened a novel “window” on the human basal ganglia and provided a remarkably complex new scenario with important pathophysiological implications. Single unit recordings in awake patients refined previous experimental observations in animals, such as the importance of firing patterns, besides firing rates, in the pathophysiology of the basal ganglia [5]. Deep EEG recordings disclosed multiple rhythms, often not independently generated, operating in the subthalamo pallidal loop, specifically modulated by drugs and behavioural cues [3],[4],[6],[7]. Whereas deep EEG recording sessions have to be specifically planned for research proposals, single-unit recordings are part of the standard surgical procedures (Figure 1). In fact, even if the position of the anatomical target is calculated by targeting techniques, electrophysiological intraoperative monitoring is fundamental to define the most effective stimulation site [8]. Therefore, during surgical procedures neuronal action potential recordings are used to have a complete knowledge of the tissue surrounding the predefined target. All these data are usually stored in the archive of the hospital performing the intervention and, except for that centers that also have research aims, they are no more processed or analyzed. Conversely, these data, if available for further analysis, could drive to a better understanding and also to a possible optimization of this complex treatment. In this work we propose a model for a web-based biosignal federated databank for single unit recordings collection. The idea here developed is to build up a system in which all the data generated during DBS surgeries in different hospitals and centers become sharable and available for the scientific community. By the time being the web servicing to the interested scientific community is postponed to the achievement of a large population collection. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for advanced Parkinson’s disease and offers the unique opportunity to record signals from the deep brain structures. All these data are usually stored in the archive of the hospital performing the intervention and, except for that centers that also have research aims, they are no more processed or analyzed. Conversely, these data, if available for further analysis, could drive to a better understanding and to an optimization also of this complex treatment. In this work we propose a data model for a web-based biosignal databank for single-unit recordings collection. The idea here developed is to build up a system in which all the data generated during DBS surgeries in different hospitals and centers become sharable and available for the scientific community.
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