Clinical Outcomes of Deep Brain Stimulator Electrodes Placed Using Intraoperative Computed Tomography and Frameless Stereotaxis Versus Microelectrode Recording and Frame-based Stereotaxis

Background: Frame-based stereotaxis and microelectrode recording (MER) with mapping of target structures has been the gold standard for deep brain stimulator (DBS) implantation. Though supported by historical considerations, no Class I or II evidence exists that MER adds significant value to the DBS implant procedure. With the advent of advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) imaging, particularly intra-operative imaging, the argument for the continued use of MER during DBS implantation has been substantially weakened. One rationale for pursuing CT-guided intraoperative imaging is due to presumed increase in patient comfort with this method. DBS implantation with MER requires that the patient remain awake during the entire procedure. , MER with frame-based stereotaxis requires the patient to keep their head in a fixed position for a prolonged period of time during which time they remain awake, causing significant patient discomfort. Furthermore, Parkinson's disease patients must withhold their PD meds for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the procedure adding a sometimes significant degree of discomfort and anxiety to the procedure.

Objective: The goal of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes of DBS electrodes placed using intraoperative CT and frameless stereotaxis with those placed using MER and frame-based stereotaxis.

Design: The proposed study will be a prospective non-interventional data collection study.

Setting and Subjects: Subjects for this study will be idiopathic Parkinson's disease patients identified from the Oregon Health & Science University movement disorder clinic as candidates for deep brain stimulation therapy. Enrollment will continue until fifty subjects have been implanted with electrodes using frameless stereotaxis and intraoperative CT. Data regarding quality of life, motor control, and amount of time during the day without levodopa side effects will be collected pre-operatively and post-operatively. This data will be compared to historical controls who have been implanted with DBS electrodes using MER and frame-based stereotaxis. All surgical procedures will involve only Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved stereotactic equipment, used in the manner for which they have been approved. All clinic procedures are standard of care for movement disorders patients in the deep brain stimulation program.

Intervention: This study will be a non-interventional data collection study.