Optical Brain Pulse Monitoring for Detection of Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke in a Sheep Model

Early stroke detection and treatment are critical for improving patient outcomes. Optical brain pulse monitoring (OBPM) uses red and infrared light to capture brain pulse waveforms reflecting arteriole-to-venous pressure levels driving microvascular blood flow. This study assessed OBPM’s potential to detect middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) and reperfusion in a clinically relevant sheep model. Stroke was induced in 11 Merino wethers via 4-hour occlusion of the right MCA, followed by 6 hours of reperfusion. OBPM recordings were taken at baseline, MCAo, early and late reperfusion. The OBPM brain pulse waveform classes were classified based on the presence of arterial or central venous circulation wave features. Magnetic resonance imaging assessed infarct volume at 2 hours post-reperfusion. Invasive brain tissue oxygen and intracranial pressures were also monitored. The OBPM brain pulse waveform classes changed during MCAo and reperfusion ( p <0.0001). MCAo was associated brain pulses with venous circulation features ( p = 0.0007). Reperfusion was associated with the return of arterial circulation features ( p = 0.001). Early reperfusion was also associated with an increase in the brain pulse amplitude ( p < 0.05) and the respiratory wave amplitude ( p < 0.05). OBPM may aid in early stroke detection and reperfusion assessment following intervention.