The Potential of Stereotactic-EEG for Brain-Computer Interfaces: Current Progress and Future Directions

Abstract

Stereotactic electroencephalogaphy (sEEG) utilizes localized, penetrating depth electrodes to measure electrophysiological brain activity. It is most commonly used in the identification of epileptogenic zones in cases of refractory epilepsy. The implanted electrodes generally provide a sparse sampling of a unique set of brain regions including deeper brain structures such as hippocampus, amygdala and insula that cannot be captured by superficial measurement modalities such as electrocorticography (ECoG). Despite the overlapping clinical application and recent progress in decoding of ECoG for Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), sEEG has thus far received comparatively little attention for BCI decoding. Additionally, the success of the related deep-brain stimulation (DBS) implants bodes well for the potential for chronic sEEG applications. This article provides an overview of sEEG technology, BCI-related research, and prospective future directions of sEEG for long-term BCI applications.

Summary of over Fifty Years with Brain-Computer Interfaces—A Review

“…In the late 50s Bancaus and Talarach introduced sEEG (stereoencephalography) electrodes, which are invasive, deeply implanted EEG electrodes [181]. They were mostly applied for the purpose of epileptic zones detection [181][182][183][184][185]. They can be a great alternative to the popular ECoG-based systems, however, in some cases the both types of the measurement electrodes are combined [182].…”

“…They were mostly applied for the purpose of epileptic zones detection [181][182][183][184][185]. They can be a great alternative to the popular ECoG-based systems, however, in some cases the both types of the measurement electrodes are combined [182]. The ECoG provides higher density data coverage, while the sEEG provides sparser coverage spanning more, bilateral brain regions including its deeper structures [182,186].…”

“…They can be a great alternative to the popular ECoG-based systems, however, in some cases the both types of the measurement electrodes are combined [182]. The ECoG provides higher density data coverage, while the sEEG provides sparser coverage spanning more, bilateral brain regions including its deeper structures [182,186]. It is believed that the sEEG, despite not being the newest measurement technology, holds great potential for the BCI applications as it offers the measurement of brain structures, which cannot be reached with the ECoG, also, the sEEG enables to decode the memory-related processes and limbic activity, which can also be used in order to either supplement or further enhance decoding of other cognitive processes.…”

Detection of Electrophysiological Activity of Amygdala during Anesthesia Using Stereo-EEG: A Preliminary Research in Anesthetized Epileptic Patients

“…It has been widely used for the localization of the epileptic zones in different types of epilepsies. SEEG electrodes are generally preferred over ECoG grids when the lateralization of the seizures is unknown or is expected to be in deeper brain structures, such as the insula or hippocampus [ 12 ]. A recent published systemic analysis has shown that SEEG efficiently identified epileptic zones in about 92% of the patients who underwent SEEG before surgery [ 13 ].…”

“…SEEG provides sparser coverage spanning more, bilateral brain regions including deeper structures. SEEG avoids unnecessary craniotomies and the associated morbidity, hospital stay, and costs [ 12 ].…”