New technique for deep brain stimulation surgery proves accurate and safe
June 10, 2013



Oregon Health & Science University neurosuirgeons have developed a safer new way to perform the surgery for Parkinson’s disease. It allows for more accurate placement of the brain electrodes and is likely safer for patients.

The success and safety of the new surgical technique could have broad implications for deep brain stimulation,(DBS) surgical procedures.

With traditional DBS surgery, there is a small chance of hemorrhaging in the brain as the surgeon places or moves the electrodes to the right spot in the brain. Patients are also asleep during the surgery, rather than being awake under local anesthesia to help surgeons determine placement of the electrodes..


The new technique uses advances in brain imaging within recent years to place the electrodes more safely and more accurately than in traditional DBS surgery. The surgical team uses CT scanning during the surgery itself, along with an MRI of the patient’s brain before the surgery, to precisely place the electrodes in the brain, while better ensuring no hemorrhaging or complications from the insertion of the electrode...

http://www.kurzweilai.net/new-techni...08f6-282123525