Non-invasive functional mapping of the brain using cerebral oximeter

The goal of this study is to map brain functions using an in-vivo cerebral oximeter. The current tests for brain functions are invasive and associated with significant risks. We acquired the 2 channel (left & right) cerebral oximeter, which detects regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) levels on the frontal region of the brain using near-infrared spectroscopy techniques. The measurement is made via special electrodes placed over the scalp. These electrodes contain LEDs that pass low intensity near infrared light into both the skull and brain. The electrodes also contain a photodiode that measures and records the returning scattered and partially absorbed light. The intensity of this recorded light and the amount absorbed in a particular frequency band reflects the proportion of oxyhemoglobin present within the light pathway. In this study we add multi-channel capabilities to the system so it can measure rSO2 levels around all the brain regions, and display the results in a user-friendly graphical interface.