Use of an integrated platform system in the placement of deep brain stimulators

Abstract

The placement of deep brain stimulator leads requires a great deal of technology and equipment. We describe our 25-month experience with an integrated platform system, the StimPilot (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN), for the placement of deep brain stimulator leads. The platform consists of a neuronavigation station, microdrive control, and microelectrode recording display and control. This platform is run from a laptop-sized portable control unit. The unit was used in 147 patients for the placement of 262 leads. Leads were placed into the subthalamic nucleus, ventral intermediate nucleus, globus pallidus interna, and anterior thalamic nucleus. One patient required replacement of one lead during this time frame, with successful reimplantation. No system failures occurred.