High-density ECoG improves the detection of high frequency oscillations that predict seizure outcome

Residual fast ripples (FR) in the intraoperative ECoG are highly specific predictors of postsurgical seizure recurrence. However, a FR is generated by a small patch of cortical tissue. Spatial sampling with standard electrodes may thus miss clinically relevant information. We analyzed FR rates in the intraoperative ECoG of 22 patients that underwent resective epilepsy surgery. We used standard electrodes with 10 mm inter-contact spacing (standard ECoG) in 14 surgeries and high-density grid electrodes with 5 mm spacing (hd-ECoG) in 8 surgeries. We detected FR using a previously validated automatic detector. Postoperative seizure freedom was achieved in 14/22 (64%) cases. Across all 42 ECoG recordings, FR rates were higher for hd-ECoG than for standard ECoG. In the 14 seizure free patients (ILAE 1), no residual FR were detected (specificity = 100%). In the 8 patients with seizure recurrence (ILAE > 1), residual FR were detected in 1/7 standard ECoG and 1/1 hd-ECoG (Accuracy ACCstandard ECoG = 57%, CI [29% 82%], ACChd-ECoG = 100%, CI [63% 100%]). Denser spatial sampling by hd-ECoG improved FR detection compared to standard ECoG. Hd-ECoG may advance seizure freedom after epilepsy surgery.