Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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Figure 6.5
The spatial model of the field generated by a four-contact deep brain
stimulation electrode.
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(Reprinted with kind permission of Karger Publishers.)
individual neurons and neural circuitry of the basal ganglia, the results of the
model are compared with those of data obtained during DBS surgery. Firing
rate, interspike intervals and regularity analyses are performed on the
simulated data.
6.2.2 Device-related Complications
The greatest disadvantage of the deep brain stimulation method is the fact that
risky and invasive brain surgery is required to implant the device. There is a
high potential for complication during such a procedure and the risks are
further perpetuated when the individual must eventually endure another
surgery to remove the electrodes. Bleeding within the brain caused by
the displacement of electrodes is another dangerous complication that may
result.
Infection is a fairly common occurrence (3-10% of cases). Because the risk of
intracranial infection is high, the infected electrode must be removed. One
