Bilateral Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation under General Anesthesia: Literature Review and Single Center...

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Neurology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a standard treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD).
• Traditional STN DBS requires local anesthesia (LA), which is poorly tolerated by some patients and unsuitable for those with poor health.
• Advancements in imaging and targeting have enabled STN DBS under general anesthesia (GA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on STN DBS performed under GA using intraoperative imaging and microelectrode recording (MER).
• To discuss the technique, clinical outcomes, and complications of STN DBS under GA.
• To present single-center experience with STN DBS under GA.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of STN DBS under GA with intraoperative imaging and MER.
• Analysis of technique, clinical outcomes, and complications.
• Inclusion of single-center data.

Main Results:

• General anesthesia (GA) does not interfere with microelectrode recording (MER) signals from the subthalamic nucleus (STN).
• STN DBS under GA without intraoperative stimulation demonstrated similar or improved clinical outcomes compared to STN DBS under local anesthesia (LA).
• No additional complications were observed with STN DBS under GA.

Conclusions:

• STN DBS under GA is a feasible alternative to LA, particularly for patients who cannot tolerate LA.
• GA allows for STN DBS in PD patients with poor physical or neurological conditions.
• Further long-term studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of STN DBS under GA.