Fusion image-based programming after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation.

Objective: To propose fusion image-based programming to adjust patients with advanced Parkinson disease (PD) effectively after subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Methods: Between January 2007 and July 2008, 38 patients with advanced PD were consecutively treated with STN DBS. The electrode positions and information regarding their contacts with STN were determined via fusion of the images of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and of postoperative computed tomography (CT) obtained 1 month after STN DBS.