Implantation accuracy of novel polyimide stereotactic electroencephalographic depth electrodes-a human cadaveric study.

Introduction: Stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses depth electrodes stereotactically implanted into brain structures to map the origin and propagation of seizures in epileptic patients. Implantation accuracy of sEEG electrodes plays a critical role in the safety and efficacy of the procedure. This study used human cadaver heads, simulating clinical practice, to evaluate (1) neurosurgeon's ability to implant a new thin-film polyimide sEEG electrode according to the instructions for use (IFU), and (2) implantation accuracy. Methods: Four neurosurgeons (users) implanted 24 sEEG electrodes into two cadaver heads with the aid of the ROSA robotic system. Usability was evaluated using a questionnaire that assessed completion of all procedure steps per IFU and user errors. For implantation accuracy evaluation, planned electrode trajectories were compared with post-implantation trajectories after fusion of pre- and postoperative computer tomography (CT) images. Implantation accuracy was quantified using the Euclidean distance for entry point error (EPE) and target point error (TPE). Results: All sEEG electrodes were successfully placed following the IFU without user errors, and post-implant survey of users showed favorable handling characteristics. The EPE was 1.28 ± 0.86 mm and TPE was 1.61 ± 0.89 mm. Long trajectories (>50 mm) had significantly larger EPEs and TPEs than short trajectories (<50 mm), and no differences were found between orthogonal and oblique trajectories. Accuracies were similar or superior to those reported in the literature when using similar experimental conditions, and in the same range as those reported in patients. Discussion: The results demonstrate that newly developed polyimide sEEG electrodes can be implanted as accurately as similar devices in the marker without user errors when following the IFU in a simulated clinical environment. The human cadaver ex-vivo test system provided a realistic test system, owing to the size, anatomy and similarity of tissue composition to that of the live human brain.

Multimodal approach leads to seizure-freedom in a case of highly refractory drug-resistant focal epilepsy.

Drug-resistant, nonlesional, extratemporal lobe focal epilepsy can be difficult to treat and may require a high degree of multidisciplinary teamwork to localize the seizure onset zone for resective surgery. Here, we describe a patient with longstanding drug-resistant, nonlesional, extratemporal focal epilepsy with a high seizure burden who became seizure-free after prolonged evaluation and eventual left frontal cortical resection. Prior evaluations included magnetoencephalography, invasive video-EEG monitoring, and implantation of a responsive neurostimulation (RNS) device for ongoing intracranial stimulation. Highly sophisticated techniques were utilized including stereotactic localization of prior evaluations to guide repeat stereo-EEG (SEEG), electrical stimulation mapping, SEEG-guided radiofrequency ablation, and awake resection with language and motor mapping using a cognitive testing platform . Incorporating a wide array of data from multiple centers and evaluation time periods was necessary to optimize seizure control and minimize the risk of neurological deficits from surgery.