Cosmetic Posterior Implant of Internal Pulse Generators in Deep Brain Stimulation Procedures: Technical Report

Implantable Pulse Generators for Deep Brain Stimulation: Challenges, Complications, and Strategies for Practicality and Longevity

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) represents an important treatment modality for movement disorders and other circuitopathies. Despite their miniaturization and increasing sophistication, DBS systems share a common set of components of which the implantable pulse generator (IPG) is the core power supply and programmable element. Here we provide an overview of key hardware and software specifications of commercially available IPG systems such as rechargeability, MRI compatibility, electrode configuration, pulse delivery, IPG case architecture, and local field potential sensing. We present evidence-based approaches to mitigate hardware complications, of which infection represents the most important factor. Strategies correlating positively with decreased complications include antibiotic impregnation and co-administration and other surgical considerations during IPG implantation such as the use of tack-up sutures and smaller profile devices.Strategies aimed at maximizing battery longevity include patient-related elements such as reliability of IPG recharging or consistency of nightly device shutoff, and device-specific such as parameter delivery, choice of lead configuration, implantation location, and careful selection of electrode materials to minimize impedance mismatch. Finally, experimental DBS systems such as ultrasound, magnetoelectric nanoparticles, and near-infrared that use extracorporeal powered neuromodulation strategies are described as potential future directions for minimally invasive treatment.

Submammary placement of neurostimulator devices: broadening the spectrum of cosmetic techniques

Deep brain neurostimulators (DBS) have enabled thousands of individuals to overcome movement disorders, thus offering them a new chance for social integration while enhancing their self-esteem. A classic DBS consists of a central implantable pulse generator (IPG) and its respective wires and leads that extend to the scalp to reach the brain. The classic positioning of the generator is currently subcutaneous, usually just below the clavicle or in the abdominal wall. As DBS systems are of a substantial size, this subcutaneous placement leads to unsightly and visible devices, particularly in thin patients. We report two cases of female patients who benefited from our technique to hide the IPG under the breast parenchyma. IPGs were placed through an inframammary incision in a subglandular pocket, similar to the technique used for implant-based breast augmentation. In the first case, the devices were implanted in a subglandular pocket and replaced 5 years later due to battery life limitation. In the second case, the devices were replaced from a subclavicular position to a submammary one. No major or minor complications were observed. Both patients reported an excellent level of satisfaction with the aesthetic and functional outcome. Despite the significant quality of life improvement of patients with DBS, the ideal implantation of the generator should also take into consideration the comfort and cosmetic aspects. Our approach has the potential to markedly improve the aesthetic outcome of such an intervention.

Level of evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.

Surgery for treatment of refractory chronic cluster headache: toward standard procedures

The degree of disability due to chronic cluster headache refractory to conservative treatments justifies surgical procedures as second-line treatments. Many studies and reports nowadays confirm the efficacy of the two mostly used surgical techniques in such cases. Both deep brain stimulation and occipital nerve stimulation are in fact currently utilized for this purpose but the surgical technique has not yet been standardized. We describe the surgical steps of both procedures.