Introduction

Lead movement after deep brain stimulation (DBS) may occur and influence the area of stimulation. The cause of the displacement is not fully understood. The aim of the study was to investigate differences in lead position between the day after surgery and approximately one month postoperatively and also simulate the electric field (EF) around the active contacts.

Methods

23 patients with movement disorders underwent DBS surgery (37 leads). CT at the two time points were co-fused respectively with the stereotactic images in Surgiplan. The coordinates (x, y, z) of the lead tips were compared between the two dates (paired t-test). 8 of these patients were selected for the EF simulation in Comsol Multiphysics.

Results

There was a significant discrepancy (mean ± s.d.) on the left lead: x (0.44 ± 0.72, p < 0.01), y (0.64 ± 0.54, p < 0.001), z (0.62 ± 0.71, p < 0.001).  On the right lead, corresponding values were: x (-0.11 ± 0.61, n.s.), y (0.71 ± 0.54, p < 0.001), z (0.49 ± 0.81, p < 0.05).  No correlation was found between bilateral (n =14) vs. unilateral DBS, gender (n = 17 male) and age < 60 years (n = 8).  The lead movement affected the EF spread (Fig. 1).

Conclusion

The left lead tip displayed a tendency to move lateral, anterior and inferior and the right a tendency to move anterior and inferior. Lead movement after DBS can be a factor to consider before starting the stimulation. The differences in the area of stimulation might affect clinical outcome.