Localization of the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson disease using multiunit activity.

Background: Refinement of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) coordinates using intraoperative microelectrode recordings (MER) is routinely performed during deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgeries in Parkinson disease (PD). The commonly used criteria for electrophysiological localization of the STN are qualitative. The goal of this study was to validate quantitative STN detection algorithm (QD) derived from the multi-unit activity in a prospective setting.

Safety and function of a new clinical intracerebral microinjection instrument for stem cells and therapeutics examined in the Göttingen minipig.

Background: A new intracerebral microinjection instrument (IMI) allowing multiple electrophysiologically guided microvolume injections from a single proximal injection path in rats has been adapted to clinical use by coupling the IMI to an FHC microTargeting Manual Drive, designed to be used with standard stereotactic frame-based systems and FHC frameless microTargeting Platforms.

Methods: The function and safety of the device was tested by conducting bilateral electrophysiologically guided microinjections of fluorescent microspheres in the substantia nigra of 4 Göttingen minipigs.

Results: The device was easy to handle and enabled accurate electrophysiologically guided targeting of the substantia nigra with minimal local tissue damage.