Non-invasive stimulation with temporal interference: optimization of the electric field deep in the brain with the use of a genetic algorithm

Abstract

Objective. Since the introduction of transcranial temporal interference stimulation, there has been an ever-growing interest in this novel method, as it theoretically allows non-invasive stimulation of deep brain target regions. To date, attempts have been made to optimize the electrode montages and injected current to achieve personalized area targeting using two electrode pairs. Most of these methods use exhaustive search to find the best match, but faster and, at the same time, reliable solutions are required. In this study, the electrode combinations as well as the injected current for a two-electrode pair stimulation were optimized using a genetic algorithm, considering the right hippocampus as the region of interest (ROI). Approach. Simulations were performed on head models from the Population Head Model repository. First, each model was fitted with an electrode array based on the 10–10 international EEG electrode placement system. Following electrode placement, the models were meshed and solved for all single-pair electrode combinations, using an electrode on the left mastoid as a reference (ground). At the optimization stage, different electrode pairs and injection currents were tested using a genetic algorithm to obtain the optimal combination for each model, by setting three different maximum electric field thresholds (0.2, 0.5, and 0.8 V m−1) in the ROI. The combinations below the set threshold were given a high penalty. Main results. Greater focality was achieved with our optimization, specifically in the ROI, with a significant decrease in the surrounding electric field intensity. In the non-optimized case, the mean brain volumes stimulated above 0.2 V m−1 were 99.9% in the ROI, and 76.4% in the rest of the gray matter. In contrast, the stimulated mean volumes were 91.4% and 29.6%, respectively, for the best optimization case with a threshold of 0.8 V m−1. Additionally, the maximum electric field intensity inside the ROI was consistently higher than that outside of the ROI for all optimized cases. Objective. Given that the accomplishment of a globally optimal solution requires a brute-force approach, the use of a genetic algorithm can significantly decrease the optimization time, while achieving personalized deep brain stimulation. The results of this work can be used to facilitate further studies that are more clinically oriented; thus, enabling faster and at the same time accurate treatment planning for the stimulation sessions.