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Targeting Neuronal Fiber Tracts for Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy Using Interactive, Patient-Specific Models
Published on: August 12, 2018
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Comparison of methodologies for modeling directional deep brain stimulation electrodes.
Anneke M Frankemolle-Gilbert1,2, Bryan Howell1, Kelsey L Bower1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States of America.
Plos One
|December 15, 2021
Summary
Computational models for deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes vary in complexity. Different modeling approaches significantly impact predictions of brain tissue activation, influencing therapeutic programming.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computational Modeling
Background:
- Directional deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes offer improved therapeutic windows but complicate programming.
- Computational models are used in clinical software to aid DBS programming, but their accuracy depends on implementation details.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare various methods for representing directional DBS electrodes in finite element volume conductor (VC) models.
- To quantify the influence of different DBS VC model implementations on predicting axonal activation.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 15 distinct DBS VC model variants with identical brain/head representations but varied current source and electrode contact details.
- Compared complex models with explicit electrode contacts to simpler models using boundary condition approximations.
- Assessed computational time differences between model variants.
Main Results:
- Complex VC models required 2-3 times longer for meshing, building, and solving compared to simpler models.
- Individual axonal activation thresholds varied substantially across model variants (-24% to +47%).
- Differences in total axon population activation and activation volume estimates were smaller (-7% to +8%).
Conclusions:
- The specific representation of electrode contacts and current sources in DBS VC models significantly affects voltage distribution and electric field estimations.
- While overall activation volumes show less variability, detailed modeling choices are critical for accurate DBS programming predictions.
