A simple method to assess accuracy of deep brain stimulation electrode placement: pre-operative stereotactic CT + postoperative MR image fusion

Stereotact Funct Neurosurg. 2004;82(1):14-9. doi: 10.1159/000076655.

Abstract

Objective: To describe a method for the measurement of the accuracy of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode placement with the use of image fusion technologies.

Patients and methods: Ten consecutive patients suffering from movement disorders underwent DBS electrode placement. Postoperative MR images were fused with the pre-operative stereotactic CT. The placement error in the anteroposterior, lateral and vertical planes was calculated.

Results: The anteroposterior mean error +/- SD was 0.61 +/- 0.22 mm (range 0.2-0.9 mm). The lateral mean error +/- SD was 0.65 +/- 0.27 mm (range 0.2-2.2 mm). The vertical mean error +/- SD was 0.82 +/- 0.31 mm (range 0.3-1.6 mm).

Conclusions: This technique provides a simple and precise method for the evaluation of the accuracy of DBS electrode placement.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain / surgery
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Electrodes, Implanted / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Care / methods*
  • Preoperative Care / methods*
  • Stereotaxic Techniques / statistics & numerical data
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*