Technical Note: Preemptive Surgical Revision of Impending Deep Brain Stimulation Hardware Erosion

Thomas F. Barrett, Jonathan J. Rasouli, Peter Taub, Brian H. Kopell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background While deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a relatively safe procedure, skin erosion is a commonly reported hardware complication that can threaten the DBS system. Patients with Parkinson disease are especially at risk for this complication due to their autonomic dysregulation and impaired nutrition. Early detection of impending skin erosion allows for intervention that may prevent hardware destruction. Here we report a novel technique to address this complication preemptively. We describe the use of an acellular dermal matrix to prevent skin erosion in 20 patients with Parkinson disease who were treated with DBS and showed signs of impending skin erosion. Methods Twenty patients with signs of impending hardware erosion were identified. An acellular dermal matrix was surgically placed under the at-risk skin overlying the DBS lead. Results None of the 20 patients treated with this technique went on to require further revision surgery or removal of hardware. Conclusions Surgical placement of acellular dermal matrix in patients identified as having impending hardware erosions is a safe and cost-effective way to prevent hardware complications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)41-46
Number of pages6
JournalWorld Neurosurgery
Volume111
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2018

Keywords

  • Deep brain stimulation
  • Parkinson disease
  • Skin erosions

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