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Updated: May 29, 2026
Targeting Neuronal Fiber Tracts for Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy Using Interactive, Patient-Specific Models
Published on: August 12, 2018
Automatic computation of electrode trajectories for Deep Brain Stimulation: a hybrid symbolic and numerical approach
Caroline Essert1, Claire Haegelen, Florent Lalys
1LSIIT / University of Strasbourg, Pôle API, Boulevard S. Brant, 67412, Illkirch, France. essert@unistra.fr
Purpose:
The optimal electrode trajectory is needed to assist surgeons in planning Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). A method for image-based trajectory planning was developed and tested.
Methods:
Rules governing the DBS surgical procedure were defined with geometric constraints. A formal geometric solver using multimodal brain images and a template built from 15 brain MRI scans were used to identify a space of possible solutions and select the optimal one. For validation, a retrospective study of 30 DBS electrode implantations from 18 patients was performed. A trajectory was computed in each case and compared with the trajectories of the electrodes that were actually implanted.
Results:
Computed trajectories had an average difference of 6.45° compared with reference trajectories and achieved a better overall score based on satisfaction of geometric constraints. Trajectories were computed in 2 min for each case.
Conclusion:
A rule-based solver using pre-operative MR brain images can automatically compute relevant and accurate patient-specific DBS electrode trajectories.
