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In a southern hemisphere-first, Cabrini Health neurosurgeons have successfully utilised game-changing technology to deliver deep brain stimulation (DBS) implantation with sub-millimetre accuracy.
The new technology, combined with a novel surgical technique, allows for pinpoint accuracy when delivering DBS electrodes deep within the brain, meaning more effective treatment, better patient recovery, and reduced likelihood of repeat procedures for patients with Parkinson’s disease, tremor and involuntary muscle contractions (dystonia).
“This is a game-changer,” Cabrini neurologist Associate Professor Wesley Thevathasan said. “With deep brain stimulation, electrode placement is all about location, location, location. Now, we can reach even the smallest and most deeply located brain structures with confidence, which is great news for patients with movement disorders.”
Deep brain stimulation can have a transformative impact on patients’ lives, with significant improvements in patient motor function and quality of life. This new technology – performed for the first time outside of Europe, by Cabrini Health neurosurgeon Mr Kristian Bulluss – has additional patient benefits.
“Not only are we able to deliver the electrode with sub-millimetre accuracy – to brain structures the size of a grain of rice – there is also less chance of brain trauma, a reduced likelihood that a repeat procedure is required, and shorter operation times, meaning recovery post-surgery is better,” Mr Bulluss said.
“This new frame is made from carbon fibre instead of metal, which means our view of the brain isn’t obscured on the intraoperative CT scan we use during the procedure. It allows greater visibility of the electrode placement, which is critical for accurately delivering deep brain stimulation.”
Thanks to generous Cabrini Foundation donors, Cabrini Health has purchased the Stereotactic Ultralight System (SUSy) technology, which, when used with the intraoperative Airo CT scanner, means best possible outcomes for patients.
This investment in world-leading technology raises the bar for how neurology patients with debilitating neurological and movement disorders are cared for in Australia.
A Victorian grandmother can smile again after the ground-breaking surgery. Watch her story here
