A simple method to assess accuracy of deep brain stimulation electrode placement: Pre-operative stereotactic CT plus postoperative MR image fusion

Objective: To describe a method for the measurement of the accuracy of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode placement with the use of image fusion technologies. Patients and Methods: Ten consecutive patients suffering from movement disorders underwent DBS electrode placement. Postoperative MR images were fused with the pre-operative stereotactic CT. The placement error in the anteroposterior, lateral and vertical planes was calculated. Results: The anteroposterior mean error +/- SD was 0.61 +/- 0.22 mm ( range 0.2 - 0.9 mm). The lateral mean error +/- SD was 0.65 +/- 0.27 mm (range 0.2 - 2.2 mm). The vertical mean error +/- SD was 0.82 +/- 0.31 mm ( range 0.3 - 1.6 mm). Conclusions: This technique provides a simple and precise method for the evaluation of the accuracy of DBS electrode placement. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.