Abstract
Frame-based stereotactic lead placement for deep brain stimulation requires a carefully
planned trajectory and approach. Point of entry at the cortex is usually selected
to be over a gyrus avoiding veins. The angle of lead entry into the skull is different
from the perpendicular direction of the burr drill. If the burr hole is not placed
properly, the inner plate of the skull may be in the way of the lead, which creates
a snowball effect of complications from trajectory readjustment to improperly fitting
hardware. Using trigonometric principles, we elucidated a mathematical equation that
predicts the precise position of the burr hole in order for the lead to enter exactly
in the middle of the opening.
Keywords
deep brain stimulation - burr hole - stereotactic - equation
