Brain Mapping for DBS Leads
A treatment for Parkinson’s disease involves the placement of electric leads into specific parts of the brain, a treatment known as deep brain stimulation (DBS). Electric impulses through these leads can result in reduction or elimination of the tremors associated with Parkinson’s. A University of Minnesota start-up company, Surgical Information Sciences, based on the research of MSI PI Noam Harel (professor, Radiology; Center for Magnetic Resonance Research), has announced the first commercial use of a 3D mapping technique to help surgeons determine where to place DBS leads. The SIS System creates individualized maps of patients’ brains, which allows the surgeon to place the lead in the optimum position and later to fine-tune the electrical patterns. A story about this technology appears on the Office for the Vice President for Research’s Inquiry blog: Treating Parkinson’s With Surgical Precision.
Professor Harel uses MSI resources for his research into improving imaging-based target localization and visualizations for DBS surgery.
