iHandU: A Novel Quantitative Wrist Rigidity Evaluation Device for Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a primary treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD) motor complications.
• Current intraoperative assessment of DBS efficacy relies on subjective qualitative evaluation of patient rigidity.
• This subjectivity can lead to suboptimal stimulation parameter selection and prolonged surgery duration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and refine a wearable device (iHandU) for quantitative intraoperative assessment of wrist rigidity during DBS surgery.
• To provide objective data to aid neurologists in optimizing DBS stimulation parameters and electrode placement.
• To reduce surgery time and improve decision-making processes in DBS procedures.

Main Methods:

• Design and iterative development of a wearable system incorporating a gyroscope sensor in a textile hand band.
• Utilizing Bluetooth communication to transmit sensor data to a smartphone for real-time analysis.
• Evaluation of the system across three datasets, tracking improvements in accuracy, usability, and reliability over four iterations since 2015.

Main Results:

• The iHandU system achieved an average accuracy of 80% in evaluating wrist rigidity changes.
• Iterative improvements across four versions (since 2015) have enhanced system accuracy, usability, and reliability.
• The latest version (iHandU 4.0) is currently implemented in DBS surgeries at São João Hospital, Portugal.

Conclusions:

• The iHandU system offers a quantitative and objective method for assessing wrist rigidity during DBS surgery, overcoming the limitations of subjective clinical evaluation.
• This wearable technology supports enhanced decision-making for physicians, potentially leading to more effective Parkinson's disease treatment.
• Continued development and implementation of the iHandU system represent a significant advancement in neurosurgical procedures for Parkinson's disease.