Objective: Conventional frame-based stereotactic systems have circumferential base frames, often necessitating deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in two stages: intracranial electrode insertion followed by surgical re-preparation and pulse generator implantation. Some patients do not tolerate awake surgery, underscoring the need for a safe alternative for asleep DBS surgery. A frame-based stereotactic system with a skull-mounted "key" in lieu of a circumferential base frame received US FDA clearance. The authors describe the system's application for single-stage, asleep DBS surgery in 8 patients at their institution and review its workflow and technical considerations.
Methods: Eight patients underwent DBS lead insertion and IPG implantation in a single surgical preparation under general anesthesia using the system. Postoperative CT imaging confirmed lead placement.
Results: Eight patients underwent implantation of 15 total leads targeting the ventral intermediate nucleus (4 patients), globus pallidus internus (GPi; 3 patients), and subthalamic nucleus (STN; 1 patient). Intraoperative microelectrode recording was conducted for GPi and STN targets. Postoperative CT imaging revealed a mean ± SD radial error of 1.24 ± 0.45 mm (n = 15 leads), without surgical complications.
Conclusions: The stereotactic system facilitated safe and effective asleep, single-stage DBS surgery, maintaining traditional lead accuracy standards.
Keywords: NaviNetics frame; asleep DBS; deep brain stimulation; functional neurosurgery; implantable pulse generator; single-stage procedure; stereotactic; surgical technique.