Effects of Intraoperative CT Scanning on Stereotactic Accuracy of Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery

Piper Cook* and Nicholas Brandmeir, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506

Field (Broad Category): Neuroscience (Biological & Biochemical  Sciences) 

Student’s Major: Biology 

Introduction: This study is aimed to comparatively test the stereotactic accuracy of electrode placement in patients undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery with and without the use of intraoperative computed tomography (CT) scanning. Methods: The stereotactic accuracy of electrode placement in patients during deep brain stimulation surgery with use of a computed tomography (CT) scan and in absence of a computed tomography (CT) scan is measured using CranialSuite. Deep brain stimulation surgery performed in absence of a CT scan is reliant upon use of a STarFix Stereotactic Platform. These measurements are compared to determine the most stereotactically accurate method of placement of electrodes in deep brain stimulation surgery. Results: It is predicted that electrode placement during deep brain stimulation with use of intraoperative computed tomography (CT) scanning will yield no higher stereotactic accuracy than electrode placement during deep brain stimulation with use of a STarFix Stereotactic Platform. Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is to be determined upon completion of experimental procedure. 

Funding: 

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: WVU's Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) & accompanying HONR 297-level course