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. 2017 Nov 20:8:280.
doi: 10.4103/sni.sni_144_17. eCollection 2017.

Dual floor burr hole technique in deep brain stimulation: A retrospective study on 209 patients

Affiliations

Dual floor burr hole technique in deep brain stimulation: A retrospective study on 209 patients

Domenico Servello et al. Surg Neurol Int. .

Abstract

Background: Skin erosion/infections due to deep brain stimulation hardware are highly worrisome complications. They can lead to the removal of the entire deep brain stimulation device, and consequently hold the whole treatment in otherwise pharmacologically refractory patients. Several techniques have been used such as C-shape skin incision and dual floor burr hole or single passage of connecting cables to reduce the incidence of skin complications.

Methods: In this paper, we describe our experience in 209 patients using a dual-floor burr hole technique to reduce skin adverse effects.

Conclusion: The dual floor burr hole technique is a safe technique with a low incidence of skin erosions and complications.

Keywords: Complications; deep brain stimulation; dual floor burr hole; surgical technique.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) The first burr hole done with standard perforator of 12 mm. (b) The surgeon designs the contours of the electrode holding system (c) The double burr hole is performed with high speed drill (d) The electrode holding system is fixed to the skull with screws
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a and b) Photograph shows the aesthetic results of double burr hole surgery. As noted no external protrusion is noticed
Figure 3
Figure 3
Photograph shows the aesthetic results of single burr hole surgery. As noted the electrode holding system determines an evident cutaneous protrusion
Figure 4
Figure 4
Shows a complication of peripheral skin groove around the borders of the electrode holding system

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