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A novel EEG artifact in the intensive care unit
Bryan Young1, Laszlo Osvath, Daniel Jones
1Biomedical Engineering, London Health Sciences Centre, University Campus, London. bryan.young@lhsc.on.ca
Summary
A novel electroencephalogram (EEG) artifact resembling a saw-toothed waveform was identified in patients using hemoperfusion machines. This artifact, mimicking cerebral rhythms, can be confirmed by its association with the machine
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Electroencephalography (EEG) is crucial for monitoring brain activity.
- Movement artifacts can interfere with EEG signal interpretation.
- Hemoperfusion machines are used in critical care settings.
Observation:
- A distinctive saw-toothed waveform artifact was observed in two patients' EEG recordings.
- The artifact exhibited 5.5- and 11-Hz rhythms.
- This artifact was linked to the operation of a hemoperfusion machine.
Findings:
- The artifact was identified as a movement artifact induced by the hemoperfusion machine.
- It presented as invariant, saw-toothed rhythms.
- The artifact contaminated both EEG and electrocardiographic (ECG) channels.
Implications:
- Awareness of this artifact is crucial to prevent misinterpretation as cerebral activity.
- Clinicians should suspect this artifact when such rhythms appear outside typical brain regions or affect ECG.
- The artifact's presence and disappearance correlate with the hemoperfusion pump's operation, aiding diagnosis.