Directional deep brain stimulation (DBS) allows for steering of the stimulation field, but extensive and time-consuming testing of all segmented contacts is necessary to identify the possible benefit of steering. It is therefore important to determine under which circumstances directional current steering is advantageous.
METHODS
Fifty two Parkinson's disease patients implanted in the STN with a directional DBS system underwent a standardized monopolar programming session 5 to 9 months after implantation. Individual contacts were tested for a potential advantage of directional stimulation. Results were used to build a prediction model for the selection of ring levels that would benefit from directional stimulation.
RESULTS
On average, there was no significant difference in therapeutic window between ring-level contact and best directional contact. However, according to our standardized protocol, 35% of the contacts and 66% of patients had a larger therapeutic window under directional stimulation compared to ring-mode. The segmented contacts warranting directional current steering could be predicted with a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 57%.
CONCLUSION
To reduce time required for DBS programming, we recommend additional directional contact testing initially only on ring-level contacts with a therapeutic window of less than 2.0 mA.
Date of Publication
2023-03
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
600 - Technology::610 - Medicine & health
500 - Science::570 - Life sciences; biology
Keyword(s)
Parkinson's disease current steering deep brain stimulation directional electrodes subthalamic nucleus
