Machine Learning Technology Assists Neurosurgeons During Brain Surgery

A new software that uses machine learning and signal processing is helping neurosurgeons to improve Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) treatment for Parkinson’s patients. The software was developed by Dr. Konrad Ciecierski, an assistant professor of bioinformatics and machine recognition at NASK in Poland. It provides greater accuracy in pinpointing the location of subthalamic nucleus (STN), deep within the brain and typically the location of the ‘stimulus electrode’ during DBS surgery. The software enables the surgery to be shortened to 20 minutes from three to four hours, reducing the discomfort for patients who remain awake throughout the procedure. The risk of a misplaced electrode, which could cause side-effects or require further surgery, is also reduced. Currently, ANZ country manager Stephane Marouani and Ciecierski have collaborated on more than 100 such surgeries in Poland since the software was first trialled in 2014.