Localization of subthalamic nucleus borders using macroelectrode local field potential recordings

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a highly effective treatment for motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. However, precise intraoperative localization of STN remains a procedural challenge. In the present study, local field potentials (LFPs) were recorded from DBS macroelectrodes during trajectory to STN, in six patients. The frequency-vs-depth map of LFP activity was extracted and further analyzed within different sub-bands, to investigate whether LFP activity can be used for STN border identification. STN borders identified by LFPs were compared to border predictions by the neurosurgeon, based on microelectrode-derived, single-unit recordings (MER-SUA). The results demonstrate difference between MER-SUA and macroelectrode LFP recording with respect to the dorsal STN border of -1.00 ±0.84 mm and -0.42 ±1.07 mm in the beta and gamma frequency bands, respectively. For these sub-bands, RMS of these distances was found to be 1.26 mm and 1.06 mm, respectively. Analysis of other sub-bands did not allow for distinguishing the caudal border of STN. In conclusion, macroelectrode-derived LFP recordings may provide an alternative approach to MER-SUA, for localizing the target STN borders during DBS surgery.