Verification of the Deep Brain Stimulation Electrode Position Using Intraoperative Electromagnetic Localization

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Electromagnetic (EM) localization is traditionally used for shunt catheter guidance.
• Its application in deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode placement requires validation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the accuracy of EM tracking for predicting the final position of DBS electrode contacts.
• To evaluate EM localization as a tool for intraoperative verification of DBS electrode placement.

Main Methods:

• The Medtronic AxiEM system was employed for EM tracking of the DBS electrode cannula.
• Phantom modeling and intraoperative data from 48 patients (84 trajectories) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Phantom trials showed sub-millimeter accuracy (0.331–0.6 mm error) for cannula tip localization.
• Intraoperative EM localization demonstrated an average error of 1.036 mm from the planned target.
• EM localization was more accurate than planned targets in predicting the final electrode position (1.145–1.431 mm error).

Conclusions:

• EM localization provides highly accurate intraoperative verification of DBS electrode positions.
• This technique enhances the precision of deep brain stimulation lead placement.