Predictability of thermo-lesions using electrodes for deep brain stimulation - an in vitro study

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) electrodes are typically for chronic stimulation.
• Discontinuation of DBS therapy may necessitate alternative treatments like thermo-lesioning.
• Repurposing DBS electrodes for thermal ablation is explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if DBS electrodes can create predictable coagula.
• To define coagula dimensions based on power and time in vitro.
• To assess the impact of repetitive coagulation on clot geometry.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an in vitro egg white model at room temperature.
• Investigated coagulation as a function of power and duration.
• Employed adjacent electrodes to generate thermocoagulations.

Main Results:

• Achieved reproducible, well-formed thermocoagulations.
• Identified a power range (1.25-2.00 Watt) for homogenous ovoid coagula.
• Determined maximum clot size after two minutes; repetitive coagulation can increase clot size.

Conclusions:

• DBS electrodes can produce predictable in vitro coagula for thermocoagulation.
• Further in vivo assessment of safety and efficacy is required before clinical use for ablation.
• Currently, only approved electrodes should be used for brain ablation.