EEG/MEG Medical Imaging

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  Summary:  This invention utilizes a novel approach to achieve unprecedented accuracy for MEG/EEG medical imaging. Precisely isolating locations in the brain can play an important role in treatment procedures. Based on a variation of minimum mean-square error (MMSE) estimation, this approach is a solution to a previously unsolved problem in brain imaging. The approach has been applied to simulated brain MEG auditory response data and has enabled the capability of resolving, both temporally and spatially, the separate components of the primary and secondary auditory responses. This invention can precisely locate the primary and secondary responses. Further, this approach can be used in any application involving MEG/EEG imaging. Overview:  The invention is unique in the sense that it precisely isolates the primary and secondary auditory responses. If the algorithm can be installed easily and readily on current MEG and EEG medical imaging machines, then the market would include hospitals, research centers (universities, independent research centers), commercial imaging centers that use MEG/EEG medical imaging machines. The market also extends to the makers of such machines. Applications:  This method is applicable to any imaging problem in which a linear forward model is available that possesses sufficient accuracy. This technology can aid in the "bench-to-bed", or translational medicine, process. EEG and MEG imaging are currently used in clinical and research settings for non-invasive brain imaging. This technology can be used as a non-invasive way to accurately identify brain activity locations. The analytical data provided by accuracy in imaging could enable surgeons and those practicing medicines to provide more accurate and effective treatment. How it works:  This invention relates to new methods and a system for performing medical imaging. In performing medical imaging, the system captures data by monitoring electric activity occurring in the sample area of a patient. The patient is usually receiving stimuli. The captured signal in transferred to a processing unit, and after a series of functions, can generate accurate images locating the precise location where the electronic signals are coming from. Another aspect of the invention is medical imaging. This consists of measuring multiple electronic reactions and composing a unified piece of data for imaging. The iterations provide increased data for displaying image activity data from a sample area. Benefits:  The method has been applied to simulated brain MEG auditory response data and has demonstrated the capability to precisely locate the primary and secondary responses, a previously unsolved problem in the brain MEG imaging community. Why it is better:  This invention is a more accurate way of locating brain activity through signals. In addition to enhanced location abilities provided through imaging, this invention can provide shapes of the activity rather than regions.