Cosmetic posterior implant of internal pulse generators in deep brain stimulation procedures: technical report

Neuromodulation. 2014 Dec;17(8):729-30. doi: 10.1111/ner.12156. Epub 2014 Feb 14.

Abstract

Objective: The study aims to describe a novel cosmetic implantation technique of internal pulse generators (IPGs) for deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes.

Materials and methods: Thirty Parkinson patients during the interval 2001 to 2012 underwent posterior (cervical, dorsal, and lateral subcostal ) subcutaneous implantation of DBS connection cables and IPGs in the prone position.

Results: No surgical complications occurred in any of the patients who underwent this procedure; all of the patients reported a high level of satisfaction with the cosmetic results due to the excellent concealment of the implanted devices.

Conclusions: Although this procedure is a little more time consuming compared with the conventional procedure, it is safe and leads to very good cosmetic results in DBS patients, which has significant benefits from the standpoint of social and work activities.

Keywords: Cosmetic; deep brain stimulation; internal pulse generator; leads; tunneling.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Deep Brain Stimulation / methods*
  • Electrodes, Implanted*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinson Disease / therapy*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Young Adult