A Simple Method to Assess Accuracy of Deep Brain Stimulation Electrode Placement: Pre-Operative Stereotactic CT + 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.