Iran has developed a prototype of a new medical device designed to monitor a patient’s level of consciousness more accurately and reliably during general anaesthesia. This was reported by
Mehr News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.
The system determines the depth of anaesthesia based on the brain’s electrical activity, which it records using electroencephalography (EEG) signals. The signals obtained are analysed by a mathematical model describing brain function and the interaction between the thalamus and the cortex.
Rather than reducing the patient’s condition to a single number, as is the case, for example, with the current Bispectral Index (BIS) system, the new development displays it on a two-dimensional model. This allows the doctor to see not only the current depth of anaesthesia, but also how close the patient is to transitioning between different states of consciousness.
This approach can help anaesthetists monitor the patient’s condition more effectively during surgery and make more informed decisions. The developers believe the system will be particularly useful when different types of anaesthetics are used, as it allows for a more comprehensive assessment of brain function.
The device is currently at the prototype stage and requires further research and technical refinement. In the future, it is planned to be used in hospitals, surgical centres, anaesthesia and intensive care units, as well as in neuroscience laboratories. There, the system could be used not only to monitor patients, but also to study how anaesthetics affect the brain and consciousness.