A Rapid Low Morbidity Technique for STN DBS Utilising Novel MRI Techniques, CT/MRI Fusion and Usually a Single Microelectrode Pass

摘要

Teams involved in the implantation of subthalamic nucleus (STN) stimulators for the treatment of Parkinson's disease vary substantially in their use of imaging, stereotactic frames, surgical technique, use of microelectrode recordings and macrostimulation. Here we present technical aspects of the procedure at two Australian centers. Our technique is novel in particular in the use of pre-op FLAIR imaging often using a 3T MRI. This imaging modality affords high resolution of the STN and surrounding structures, allowing a high level of accuracy in pre-operative targeting. This minimizes the number of confirmatory microelectrode passes required (mean 1.2 per side), resulting in a low morbidity, accurate and effective procedure.