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Microelectrode Guided Implantation of Electrodes into the Subthalamic Nucleus of Rats for Long-term Deep Brain Stimulation
Published on: October 2, 2015
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Anatomic correlates of deep brain stimulation electrode impedance.
David Satzer1, Eric W Maurer1, David Lanctin1
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|June 18, 2014
Summary
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode impedance varies with contact location in the subthalamic nucleus (STN). Lower impedance in white matter suggests better current spread, impacting stimulation efficacy in Parkinson's disease.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Optimal deep brain stimulation (DBS) targets in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) are debated.
- Electrode impedance influences DBS tissue activation but its relation to contact location is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between electrode impedance and precise anatomic contact location.
- To determine the clinical relevance of impedance variations in STN DBS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of impedance data from 101 electrodes in 73 Parkinson's disease patients.
- Contact localization using microelectrode recording (MER) and 7T MRI.
- Correlation analysis between impedance, location, and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Impedance was significantly higher for contacts within the STN compared to the STN border and white matter (p<0.001).
- Impedance varied with location assessed by MER but not by imaging.
- Lower impedance correlated with greater motor symptom improvement (p=0.01).
Conclusions:
- Electrode impedance in the STN region is lower in white matter and at the STN border than within the STN.
- This suggests preferential current spread to white matter fibers, potentially explaining variations in DBS efficacy.
