Localization of Deep Brain Stimulation Electrode by Image Registration Is Software Dependent: A Comparative Study between Four Widely Used Software Programs

Abstract

Background: The control of the anatomic position of the active contacts is essential to understand the effects and adapt the settings of the neurostimulation. The localization is commonly assessed by a registration between the preoperative MRI and the postoperative CT scan. However, its accuracy depends on the quality of the registration algorithm and many software programs are available. Objective: To compare the localization of implanted deep brain stimulation (DBS) leads in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) between four registration devices. Methods: The preoperative stereotactic MRI was co-registered and fused with the 3-month postoperative CT scan in 27 patients implanted in the STN for Parkinson’s disease (53 leads). Localizations of the active contacts were calculated in the stereotactic frame space and compared between software programs. Results: The coordinates of the active contacts were different between software programs in the 3 axes (p < 0.001) with a mean vectorial error between the deepest contact locations of 1.17 mm (95% CI 1.09–1.25). Conclusion: We found a small but significant difference in the coordinates calculated on four different devices. These results have to be considered when performing studies comparing active contact locations or when following patients with an implanted DBS lead.