3-dimensional Analysis for Conduction Blocks of the Spinal Cord with Multi-channel Superconducting Quantum Interference Device.

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The magnetic filed measurement of the spinal cord has theoretical advantages of high spatial resolution compared with the conventional electric potential measurement. The purpose of this study was to measure the magnetic field of the spinal cord and to examine three-dimensional conduction blocks of the cord with superconduction quantum interference device (SQUID). The highly sensitive SQUID was designed for detection of the fine magnetic fields from the spinal cord. A gradiometer system with two SQUID coils was produced for the study. Also a small shield room was designed and produced to intercept outside magnetic noise and the SQUID system were placed within the shield room. An operation table was placed on a movable plastic gantry. The sciatic nerve of a cat was stimulated electrically and evoked magnetic fields produced in the spinal cord were measured at the thoracic and the lumbar spine. Evoked magnetic fields at the upper lumbar spine could be measured by sciatic nerve stimulation. The magnetic field measurement with the SQUID could diagnose the conduction blocks and was useful for the analysis of the spinal cord function.