Plenary Lecture

Advances in Brain Research through Systems Science and Engineering Methods

Professor George Vachtsevanos
School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0250
Phone: (404) 894-6252
Fax: (404) 894-7583
Email: gjv@ece.gatech.edu,
 

Abstract: This plenary talk will present research advances in neurotechnology that are aiming to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from neurological disorders. We will focus on epilepsy as a typical severe disorder. Enabling technologies will be discussed that begin with intracranial monitoring techniques, such as IEEGs, and the analysis of signals to determine precursors to an epileptic seizure. The intent is to detect but primarily to predict in advance the seizure initiation. Upon detection/prediction, an electrical signal is transmitted to the areas of the brain suspected as the seizure source in order to terminate the seizure before is affects the patient. We will describe clinical results of an implantable device currently under development to implement the monitoring, signal analysis and intervention methods.


Brief Biography of the Speaker:
George Vachtsevanos is a Professor Emeritus of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He was awarded a B.E.E. degree from the City College of New York in 1962, a M.E.E. degree from New York University in 1963 and the Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from the City University of New York in 1970. He directs the Intelligent Control Systems laboratory at Georgia Tech where faculty and students are conducting research in intelligent control, neurotechnology and cardiotechnology, fault diagnosis and prognosis of large-scale dynamical systems and control technologies for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. His work is funded by government agencies and industry. He has published over 240 technical papers and is a senior member of IEEE. Dr. Vachtsevanos was awarded the IEEE Control Systems Magazine Outstanding Paper Award for the years 2002-2003 (with L. Wills and B. Heck). He was also awarded the 2002-2003 Georgia Tech School of Electrical and Computer Engineering Distinguished Professor Award and the 2003-2004 Georgia Institute of Technology Outstanding Interdisciplinary Activities Award.