Influence of Virchow-Robin spaces on the electric field distribution in subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation

Patient MRI from DBS implantations in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) were reviewed and it was found that around 10% had Virchow-Robin spaces (VRS). Patient-specific models were developed to evaluate changes in the electric field (EF) around DBS leads. The patients (n = 7) were implanted bilaterally either with the standard voltage-controlled lead 3389 or with the directional current-controlled lead 6180. The EF distribution was evaluated by comparing simulations using patient-specific models with homogeneous models without VRS. The EF, depicted with an isocontour of 0.2 V/mm, showed a deformation in the presence of the VRS around the DBS lead. For patient-specific models, the radial extension of the EF isocontours was enlarged regardless of the operating mode or the DBS lead used. The location of the VRS in relation to the active contact and the stimulation amplitude, determined the changes in the shape and extension of the EF. It is concluded that it is important to take the patients' brain anatomy into account as the high conductivity in VRS will alter the electric field if close to the DBS lead. This can be a cause of unexpected side effects.