Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease using frameless technology

Historically deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease (PD) has been performed by frame-based stereotaxy. However, recently the option of frameless stereotaxy has become available. This avoids the potential discomfort the patient may experience because of the frame fixed to the head. This study compared clinical outcomes of DBS performed using frame-based and frameless procedures for PD patients. Twelve patients underwent DBS operations; from these patients, six underwent frame-based and six underwent frameless DBS operations, and assessed 6 months later. Operation time, subthalamic electrode contact length, microelectrode recording (MER) tracts, and unified PD rating scale scores were evaluated and the scores were compared. This small study found no differences between frameless or frame based DBS, and concludes that framless system maybe an acceptable alternative.