Catheter-based polarimetric imaging to complement MRI for deep brain stimulation neurosurgery.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is vital for treating movement disorders.
• Accurate localization of deep brain nuclei (e.g., STN, GPi) is critical for DBS success.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lacks sufficient resolution for delineating small DBS targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate catheter-based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) as a complementary imaging tool for DBS.
• To assess PS-OCT's capability for high-resolution visualization of tissue along DBS trajectories.

Main Methods:

• Simulated DBS implantation surgery in a nonhuman primate head.
• Utilized advanced reconstruction algorithms for depth-resolved birefringence with PS-OCT.
• Compared PS-OCT imaging with MRI for visualizing structural details.

Main Results:

• PS-OCT delivered more detailed and accurate structural information than MRI.
• PS-OCT results were consistent with MRI findings.
• The imaging tool integrates seamlessly into surgical workflows, enhancing decision-making.

Conclusions:

• PS-OCT serves as a valuable intraoperative imaging tool for DBS procedures.
• PS-OCT shows promise as a complementary technology for DBS.
• Further clinical validation and in vivo studies are warranted.