Fluorescence and Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy for Intraoperative Guidance in Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery

Abstract

Introduction Epileptogenic lesions and their margins are often difficult to define intraoperatively. Optical spectroscopy, especially diffuse reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy, can characterize tissue in vivo. We hypothesize that optical spectroscopy can detect unique pathophysiological features of epileptogenic lesions and hence differentiate them from normal brain. This hypothesis was tested by comparing the in vivo optical and fluorescence characteristics of epileptogenic brain lesions (non-neoplastic) with those of normal brain. Methods Patients were recruited from those undergoing evaluation for surgical management of intractable epilepsy at Miami Children's Hospital. Fluoroscence and diffuse reflectance spectra were acquired from the brain using a fiberoptic spectroscopic system. Both static and dynamic spectral acquisition was performed; thus, the average and time dependent characteristics were assessed. Both hemo-dynamic and metabolic physiologic characteristics were retrieved from the spe...