Computer-Assisted planning for SEEG-Guided RF-TC in Pediatric Epilepsy: Improved surgical outcomes

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Epilepsy Treatment
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy poses significant challenges.
• Stereoelectroencephalography-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (SEEG-RF-TC) is an established treatment modality.
• Optimizing SEEG-RF-TC planning is crucial for improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficiency of a novel RF-TC Target Planning Software.
• To assess the software's impact on SEEG-guided RF-TC outcomes in pediatric epilepsy.
• To compare software-assisted planning versus manual planning.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 68 pediatric epilepsy cases (May 2018-November 2023).
• Comparison between software-assisted (27 patients) and manual planning (41 patients).
• Analysis of surgical parameters: contact pairs, planning time, and postoperative seizure control.

Main Results:

• Software-assisted planning led to more contact pairs and reduced planning time.
• Higher seizure-free rates in the software group (77.78% vs. 29.41%).
• Transient neurological deficits observed in 11.11% of software cases, with full recovery.

Conclusions:

• RF-TC Target Planning Software enhances SEEG-guided RF-TC effectiveness and efficiency.
• Software improves electrode selection, reduces planning time, and increases seizure-free rates.
• Software is valuable for complex cases, though transient deficits warrant monitoring.