Bi-Frequency Symmetry Difference EIT-Feasibility and Limitations of Application to Stroke Diagnosis

Objective: Bi-Frequency Symmetry Difference (BFSD)-EIT can detect, localize and identify unilateral perturbations in symmetric scenes. Here, we test the viability and robustness of BFSD-EIT in stroke diagnosis. Methods: A realistic 4-layer Finite Element Method (FEM) head model with and without bleed and clot lesions is developed. Performance is assessed with test parameters including: measurement noise, electrode placement errors, contact impedance errors, deviations in assumed tissue conductivity, deviations in assumed anatomy, and a frequency-dependent background. A final test is performed using ischemic patient data. Results are assessed using images and quantitative metrics. Results: BFSD-EIT may be feasible for stroke diagnosis if a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of >= 60 dB is achievable. Sensitivity to errors in electrode positioning is seen with a tolerance of only +/- 5 mm, but a tolerance of up to +/- 30 mm is possible if symmetry is maintained between symmetrically opposite partner electrodes. The technique is robust to errors in contact impedance and assumed tissue conductivity up to at least +/- 50%. Asymmetric internal anatomy affects performance but may be tolerable for tissues with frequency-dependent conductivity. Errors in assumed external geometry marginally affect performance. A frequency-dependent background does not affect performance with carefully chosen frequency points or use of multiple frequency points across a band. The Global Left-Hand Side (LHS) & Right-Hand Side (RHS) Mean Intensity metric is particularly robust to errors. Conclusion: BFSD-EIT is a promising technique for stroke diagnosis, provided parameters are within the tolerated ranges. Significance: BFSD-EIT may prove an important step forward in imaging of static scenes such as stroke.