Brain shift: an error factor during implantation of deep brain stimulation electrodes

The goal of this study was to focus on the tendency of brain shift during stereotactic neurosurgery and the shift's impact on the unilateral and bilateral implantation of electrodes for deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Eight unilateral and 10 bilateral DBS electrodes at 10 nuclei ventrales intermedii and 18 subthalamic nuclei were implanted in patients at Kaizuka Hospital with the aid of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-guided and microelectrode-guided methods. Brain shift was assessed as changes in the 3D coordinates of the anterior and posterior commissures (AC and PC) with MR images before and immediately after the implantation surgery. The positions of the implanted electrodes, based on the midcommissural point and AC-PC line, were measured both on x-ray films (virtual position) during surgery and the postoperative MR images (actual position) obtained on the 7th day postoperatively.

Contralateral and posterior shift of the AC and PC were the characteristics of unilateral and bilateral procedures, respectively. The authors suggest the following. 1) The first unilateral procedure elicits a unilateral air invasion, resulting in a contralateral brain shift. 2) During the second procedure in the bilateral surgery, the contralateral shift is reset to the midline and, at the same time, the anteroposterior support by the contralateral hemisphere against gravity is lost due to a bilateral air invasion, resulting in a significant posterior (caudal) shift.

To note the tendency of the brain to shift is very important for accurate implantation of a DBS electrode or high frequency thermocoagulation, as well as for the prediction of therapeutic and adverse effects of stereotactic surgery.