Using automated electrode localization to guide stimulation management in DBS

Abstract

Deep Brain Stimulation requires extensive postoperative testing of stimulation parameters to achieve optimal outcomes. Testing is typically not guided by neuroanatomical information on electrode contact locations. To address this, we present an automated reconstruction of electrode locations relative to the treatment target, the subthalamic nucleus, comparing different targeting methods: atlas-, manual-, or tractography-based subthalamic nucleus segmentation. We found that most electrode contacts chosen to deliver stimulation were closest or second closest to the atlas-based subthalamic nucleus target. We suggest that information on each electrode contact's location, which can be obtained using atlas-based methods, might guide clinicians during postoperative stimulation testing.