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Accurate Image-guided (Re)Placement of NIRS Probes
Shin-Ting Wu1, José Angel Iván Rubianes Silva1, Sergio Luiz Novi2
1School of Computer and Electrical Engineering, University of Campinas, Av. Albert Einstein 400, Campinas, SP 13083-852, Brazil.
Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine
|December 3, 2020
Summary
This study introduces an image-based system to improve sensor placement for functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), enhancing brain imaging reproducibility. Accurate anatomical information is key to reliable fNIRS data.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) offers high temporal resolution, ease of use, and affordability for brain function studies.
- Wearable fNIRS enables on-the-spot brain activity monitoring.
- Lack of within-subject reproducibility hinders widespread fNIRS adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an image-based system for precise fNIRS sensor placement.
- To validate that accurate anatomical information improves fNIRS within-subject reproducibility.
- To enhance the reliability of fNIRS measurements through improved probe positioning.
Main Methods:
- An electromagnetic digitizer and interactive visualization system were employed.
- GPU-based volume raycasting rendered underlying cerebral cortical structures from MRI data.
- An alignment algorithm between real and scanned heads provided visual feedback for digitizer positioning.
Main Results:
- Alignment accuracy was evaluated using anatomical landmarks, with seven found to be optimal.
- Reproducibility tests on three volunteers showed no significant differences in point digitization across sessions.
- Preliminary motor cortex activation studies indicated increased functional fNIRS reproducibility.
Conclusions:
- Enhancing visualization of probe location relative to cortical structures improves fNIRS measurement reproducibility.
- The developed system shows potential for increasing the reliability of fNIRS data.
- Future work will explore fNIRS reproducibility in other regions and clinical settings.
