Algorithmic design of a noise-resistant and efficient closed-loop deep brain stimulation system: A computational approach

PLoS One. 2017 Feb 21;12(2):e0171458. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171458. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Advances in the field of closed-loop neuromodulation call for analysis and modeling approaches capable of confronting challenges related to the complex neuronal response to stimulation and the presence of strong internal and measurement noise in neural recordings. Here we elaborate on the algorithmic aspects of a noise-resistant closed-loop subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation system for advanced Parkinson's disease and treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder, ensuring remarkable performance in terms of both efficiency and selectivity of stimulation, as well as in terms of computational speed. First, we propose an efficient method drawn from dynamical systems theory, for the reliable assessment of significant nonlinear coupling between beta and high-frequency subthalamic neuronal activity, as a biomarker for feedback control. Further, we present a model-based strategy through which optimal parameters of stimulation for minimum energy desynchronizing control of neuronal activity are being identified. The strategy integrates stochastic modeling and derivative-free optimization of neural dynamics based on quadratic modeling. On the basis of numerical simulations, we demonstrate the potential of the presented modeling approach to identify, at a relatively low computational cost, stimulation settings potentially associated with a significantly higher degree of efficiency and selectivity compared with stimulation settings determined post-operatively. Our data reinforce the hypothesis that model-based control strategies are crucial for the design of novel stimulation protocols at the backstage of clinical applications.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Cortical Synchronization
  • Deep Brain Stimulation / instrumentation*
  • Feedback
  • Humans
  • Models, Neurological*
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / therapy
  • Parkinson Disease / therapy
  • Signal-To-Noise Ratio*
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Subthalamic Nucleus / physiopathology
  • Treatment Outcome

Grants and funding

Support for A. L. Custódio was provided by Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT) under the project UID/MAT/00297/2013 (Centro de Matemática e Aplicações). Support for B. Piallat, M. Polosan, S. Chabardès and O. David was provided by Agence Nationale pour la Recherche, grant ANR-14-CE13-0030-01 PHYSIOBS. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.