Preliminary Guidelines for Electrode Positioning in Noninvasive Deep Brain Stimulation via Temporally Interfering Electric Fields

Advancements in neurosurgical robotics have improved medical procedures, particularly deep brain stimulation, where robots combine human and machine intelligence to precisely implant electrodes in the brain. While effective, this procedure carries risks and side effects. Noninvasive deep brain stimulation (NIDBS) offers promise by making brain stimulation safer, more affordable, and accessible. However, NIDBS lacks guidelines for electrode placement. This research delves into applying robotic principles to improve the accuracy of NIDBS targeting and offers preliminary suggestions for transcranial electrode placement. Using the quasi-static finite element method, we conducted computations to analyze the electric potential and field in a human brain model. These findings are crucial for identifying the stimulation parameters within the targeted area. We explored three scenarios to understand the effects of manipulating electrode placement and varying current ratios. Our study results provide a preliminary guideline, shedding light on the exact area and depth activated through adjusting electrode configurations and current ratios. We also emphasized safety considerations to maintain a delicate balance between therapeutic effectiveness and patient safety, ensuring the electric fields remain within secure limits.