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Published on: August 12, 2018
Bio-heat transfer model of deep brain stimulation induced temperature changes
Maged M Elwassif1, Qingjun Kong, Maribel Vazquez
1Dept. of Biomed. Eng., City Coll. of New York, NY 10031, USA. melwassif@eartlink.net
Summary
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) can increase surrounding brain tissue temperature by up to 0.8°C. This thermal effect, influenced by stimulation parameters and tissue properties, is crucial for understanding DBS safety and efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is increasingly used for refractory neurological and psychiatric disorders.
- Existing research primarily focuses on the direct electrical effects of DBS on neuronal membranes.
- Fundamental questions regarding the physiological effects and safety of chronic DBS remain unanswered.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the thermal effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS).
- To quantify temperature changes induced by DBS using computational modeling.
- To analyze the spatial distribution and magnitude of DBS-induced temperature variations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized finite element models (FEM) to simulate DBS scenarios.
- Investigated parameters including stimulation waveform, lead design, and tissue properties (electrical/thermal conductivity, blood perfusion, metabolic heat).
Main Results:
- Clinical DBS protocols can elevate surrounding tissue temperature by up to 0.8°C.
- Temperature increase is dependent on specific stimulation parameters and brain tissue characteristics.
- Finite element models provide insights into the spatial distribution of thermal effects.
Conclusions:
- DBS induces measurable thermal effects in brain tissue.
- Understanding these thermal effects is essential for optimizing DBS safety and therapeutic outcomes.
- Computational modeling is a valuable tool for assessing DBS-induced physiological changes.
