Density-modulated t's array, a new technique of processed electroencephalogram, for monitoring the effects of midazolam and nitrous oxide during spinal anesthesia.

We have investigated the utility of a new electroencephalogram (EEG) processing system, density-modulated t's array (DTA), which we have installed in a laptop personal computer together with density-modulated spectral array (DSA) for clinical monitoring. Ten patients scheduled for orthopedic operations on the lower extremities were anesthetized with 0.5% bupivacaine intrathecally, 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen by mask, and midazolam at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg intravenously. Immediately following the administration of the drugs, the power at the frequencies between 15 and 20 Hz increased. However, the power at these higher frequencies disappeared gradually and the power in the delta band and the smaller one in the alpha band became predominant. This pattern of dominant-band shift on the DSA and DTA was observed in all the patients. In three of the patients, the sedation level remained stable as judged by the absence of body movement, quiet, regular breathing and stable hemodynamics as well as steady EEG frequency distribution throughout the operations. They awoke from anesthesia rapidly on withdrawal of nitrous oxide, with return of the power at the higher frequencies. In the other seven patients, the power at the higher frequencies suddenly reappeared on the DSA and DTA during operation and slight movements of the head and upper limbs were observed with rises in blood pressure and heart rate. In three of these seven patients, the EEG change notably preceded the physiological activities by a few minutes. On the DTA, the occurrence of any significant clinical phenomenon was displayed in a color representing at value greater than ±3. The DTA, testing power changes in the EEG at each 1-Hz interval for significant difference, permits the visual and quantitative assessment of EEG changes.