Directional Electrodes in Deep Brain Stimulation: Results of a Survey by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS)

Overview

Journal Brain Spine

Specialty Neurology

Date 2024 Mar 21

PMID 38510592

Authors

P Krauss

P Duarte-Batista

M G Hart

J M Avecillas-Chasin

M M Bercu

V Hvingelby

F Massey

L Ackermans

P L Kubben

N A van der Gaag

M T Kruger

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: Directional Leads (dLeads) represent a new technical tool in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), and a rapidly growing population of patients receive dLeads.

Research Question: The European Association of Neurosurgical Societies(EANS) functional neurosurgery Task Force on dLeads conducted a survey of DBS specialists in Europe to evaluate their use, applications, advantages, and disadvantages.

Material And Methods: EANS functional neurosurgery and European Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (ESSFN) members were asked to complete an online survey with 50 multiple-choice and open questions on their use of dLeads in clinical practice.

Results: Forty-nine respondents from 16 countries participated in the survey (n = 38 neurosurgeons, n = 8 neurologists, n = 3 DBS nurses). Five had not used dLeads. All users reported that dLeads provided an advantage (n = 23 minor, n = 21 major). Most surgeons (n = 35) stated that trajectory planning does not differ when implanting dLeads or conventional leads. Most respondents selected dLeads for the ability to optimize stimulation parameters (n = 41). However, the majority (n = 24), regarded time-consuming programming as the main disadvantage of this technology. Innovations that were highly valued by most participants included full 3T MRI compatibility, remote programming, and closed loop technology.

Discussion And Conclusion: Directional leads are widely used by European DBS specialists. Despite challenges with programming time, users report that dLeads have had a positive impact and maintain an optimistic view of future technological advances.

Citing Articles

Answer to the letter to the editor concerning "Current state of preoperative embolization for spinal metastasis - A survey by the EANS spine section".

Motov S, Stengel F, Ringel F, Bozinov O, Stienen M Brain Spine. 2025; 5():104160.

PMID: 39810927 PMC: 11732059. DOI: 10.1016/j.bas.2024.104160.

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