A Groove Technique for Securing an Electrode Connector on the Cranial Bone: Case Analysis of Efficacy

OBJECTIVE A groove technique for securing an electrode connector was described as an alternative surgical technique in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery to avoid electrode connector-related complications, such as skin erosion, infection, and migration. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 109 patients undergoing one of two techniques; the standard technique (52 patients using 104 electrodes) and the groove technique (57 patients using 109 electrodes) for securing the electrode connector in DBS surgery, regardless of patient disease. In the standard percutaneous tunneling technique, the connector was placed on the vertex of the cranial surface. The other technique, so called the groove technique, created a groove (about 4 cm long, 8 mm wide) in the cranial bone at the posterior parietal area. Wound erosion and migration related to the connectors were compared between the two techniques. RESULTS The mean follow-up period was 73 months for the standard method and 46 months for the groove technique. Connector-related complications were observed in three patients with the groove technique and in seven patients with the standard technique. Wound erosion at the connector sites per electrode was one (0.9%) with the groove technique and six (5.8%) with the standard technique. This difference was statistically significant. The electrode connector was migrated in two patients with the groove technique and in one patient with the standard technique. CONCLUSIONS The groove technique, which involves securing an electrode using a groove in the cranial bone at the posterior parietal area, offers an effective and safe method to avoid electrode connector-related complications during DBS surgery.