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Thesis Project Form

Title (tentative): large-scale effect of radio-frequency thermo-coagulation procedures in drug-resistant focal epileptic patients

Thesis advisor(s): Arnulfo Gabriele E-mail:
Address: Via All'Opera Pia, 13 - 16145 Genova Phone:
Description

Motivation and application domain
Radio-frequency thermo-coagulation is a stereotactic ablation technique used in neurosurgery aimed at disconnecting pathological from healthy tissues. Since pioneering experiments in late 80s, many works proved that RFTC is a safe procedure and it is largely applied in focal epilepsy treatment. Despite recent attempts, current literature lacks accurate computational or in vitro models to study local and global effects and, at larger extent, to verify (and possibly predict) the clinical outcomes.

General objectives and main activities
The thesis aims at studying the effect of node disconnection performed through radio-frequency thermo-coagulation (RFTHC) in large-scale brain networks. By comparing static network properties (e.g. topology and node strengths) as well as dynamical network properties (e.g. time-varying connectivity metrics) before and after RFTHC, this thesis aims at elucidating the effect of node disconnection at the level of large-scale brain networks.

Training Objectives (technical/analytical tools, experimental methodologies)
The successful candidate will learn about advanced signal processing techniques as well as element of graph theory and critical systems. Finally the successful candidate will also improve his/her programming skills developing dedicated tools in Python/Matlab.

Place(s) where the thesis work will be carried out: DIBRIS, University of Genoa

Additional information

Maximum number of students: 1