High impedance analysis in recordings of deep brain stimulation surgery

Abstract Background Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used widely today to control many chronic neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD). During surgical procedures, an electric lead wire is inserted to stimulate a specific target of the brain. In practice, such a procedure may result in some complications that limit the clinical benefits of the treatment. Many patients have an elevation of electric impedance for the DBS lead wire which, in turn, has a restraining effect on the delivery of electrical charges with stimulation and therapy outcome coveted. Aim of the study: To analyses the complications that have been involved in DBS surgery of high impedance that affects the therapy outcome covered. Methods The electric impedances that are inserted into five patients with DBS surgery are followed, prospectively. The impedance of the DBS electrodes is measured for an average of 9 months by utilizing the N'Vision programmer device (Medtronic, Inc). Results The impedance of the electrodes is increased and fluctuated with time. A significant high electrode impedance was noticed. It is caused by the presence of gas bubbles within the DBS electrodes site. The impedance may be changed according to the patient's spatial position. This high impedance affects the clinical outcome of the patient's condition. Conclusion While, the impedance measurement has an essential role in follow-up time to get the best therapy results, the surgical technique of the DBS, itself, needs improvement in reducing the impedance issues.