THE APPLICATION OF A KNOWLEDGE BASED SYSTEM TO MICRO-ELECTRODE GUIDED NEUROSURGERY

by Harley, Linda Rosemary

Parkinson's Disease can be treated by a micro-electrode guided neurosurgery called a Pallidotomy or Deep Brain Stimulus. A new software program, called Onetrack, is being developed and incorporates a three dimensional virtual model of the brain, a advanced digital signal processor and a knowledge based system (KBS). This thesis discusses the design and development of this KBS. The purpose of the KBS is to assist the surgical team in identifying the different anatomical structures and neuronal cell types of the brain. Therefore, improving the efficiency of the procedure.