Assessment of Parkinson's disease (PD) patient outcomes using an image-guided programming (IGP) applied during initial deep brain stimulation (DBS) programming, either with STN or GPi as brain target.

Optimization of DBS programming can be a lengthy, empirical trial-and-error process potentially leading to extended programming sessions and frequent visits. An IGP-based platform can help visualize lead location relative to anatomy with capability of reducing programming times and aiding active contact(s) selection through direct visualization and targeting of Stimulation Field Models (SFMs).

To date, 57-subjects (mean age 62.9-years, 77% male) with 10.1-years of disease duration have been enrolled. Initial programming sessions (post-implant), where IGP provided settings for directional leads, lasted 39.4±4.4 minutes (mean ± SE). Fifty-five percent (31/56) completed initial programming of bilateral directional leads with the IGP in <30-minutes. Motor function (mean MDS­UPDRS Ill scores [Meds OFF]) was significantly improved by 55% (n=45) and 45% (n=37) at 6-and 12-months, respectively. Of 21 patients for whom follow-up programming information out to 6- and 12-months was available, 52% and 43% of DBS programs remained unchanged from initial setting (i.e., no change in active contact(s) and cathodic/anodic distribution of current), respectively, as suggested by IGP.

These results indicate that use of this tool is associated with rapid initial programming sessions and clinically significant motor improvement. Though optimization was subjective in this evaluation, and there was no control group, this tool revealed promising time-based and motor outcomes.