Comparison of intraoperative imaging guided versus microelectrode recording guided deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease: A meta-analysis

BackgroundTraditionally, most centers would use microelectrode recording (MER) to refine targeting in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. In recent years, intraoperative imaging (IMG) guided DBS has become an alternative way to verify lead placement. Currently, there is still controversy surrounding the necessity of MER or IMG for DBS. This meta-analysis aims to explore lead accuracy, clinical efficacy and safety between IMG and MER guided DBS for Parkinson's disease (PD).MethodsPubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library were searched up to Mar, 2021 for studies reporting comparisons between IMG and MER guided DBS for PD. Subgroup analysis was conducted to assess effects of different IMG technology and DBS targeting site.ResultsSix studies, comprising of 478 patients were included in our analysis. The mean difference between the two implantation techniques in stereotactic accuracy, lead passes per trajectory, improvement% of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III and levodopa equivalent daily dose were −0.45 (95% confidence interval, CI = −1.11 to 0.20), −0.18 (95% CI = −0.41 to 0.06), 3.40 (95% CI = −5.36 to 12.16), and 5.00 (95% CI = −1.40 to 11.39), respectively. No significant differences were observed in each adverse event and operation/procedure time between the two implantation techniques.ConclusionsBoth IMG and MER guided DBS offered effective control of motor symptoms for PD. Besides, IMG guided is comparable to MER guided DBS, in terms of safety, accuracy and efficiency. It is recommended for each hospital to select DBS guidance technology based on available resources and equipment.