Surgical Techniques for Stereotactic Implant of Deep Brain Stimulators

ABSTRACT

Chronic deep brain stimulation (DBS) for movement disorders is currently performed by numerous neurosurgeons. The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with the surgical details necessary for this procedure. The selection of patients and targets are first reviewed. The nine phases of the surgical procedure are then described, including the use of computer-assisted technology for surgical planning and guidance. Our results corroborate the concept that DBS is a promising surgical procedure for treatment of movement disorders. Additional ongoing multi-center studies will allow precise determination of the role of chronic deep brain stimulation for treatment of Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders and the definition of the best brain target(s).

KEYWORD

Suthalamic nucleus,globus pallidus - ventrointermediate nucleus of the thalamus - deep brain stimulation - Parkinson's disease - dystonia - movement disorders

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