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Published on: July 14, 2023
NetZero deep brain stimulation: A carbon footprint minimisation audit and environmental impact analysis
Teresa Scott1, Erlick Ac Pereira1, Michael G Hart1
1Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, St George's School of Health and Medical Sciences, City St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK.
Brain & Spine
|May 7, 2026
Summary
Implementing a NetZero-DBS workflow reduced surgical waste and consumable use, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of deep brain stimulation procedures. This greener approach offers substantial annual carbon savings for hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Environmental Science
- Healthcare Sustainability
Background:
- The UK's National Health Service (NHS) contributes significantly to carbon emissions, with surgical procedures being a major factor.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery, while critical, has an environmental impact due to waste generation and consumable use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of a "NetZero-DBS" workflow in reducing the environmental impact of DBS surgery.
- To quantify reductions in waste management, consumable use, and product carbon footprint.
Main Methods:
- A prospective audit compared eight DBS cases before and after implementing the "NetZero-DBS" workflow.
- Effectiveness was measured through waste audits, product carbon footprint (PCF) analysis, and consumable use appraisal.
Main Results:
- Mean waste per procedure decreased from 19 kg to 15.5 kg, though not statistically significant.
- Reusable DBS probes, despite higher initial PCF, showed reduced environmental impact when reused.
- Consumable use decreased by 12% per procedure, equating to 21.36 kgCO2e savings.
Conclusions:
- The "NetZero-DBS" workflow provides a customizable strategy for hospitals to minimize the carbon footprint of neurosurgery.
- Estimated annual carbon savings of 854.5 kgCO2e per "NetZero-DBS" workflow implementation.
