Professor Jens Volkmann, MD, Director of the Department of Neurology at the University Hospital of Würzburg, and Professor Ludvic Zrinzo, MD, Head of Neurosurgery at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London, treat the same patients—but their roles are quite different. In this video, they explain how digital planning and a shared software platform bring their two disciplines together—and what that means for people being treated with deep brain stimulation.
In deep brain stimulation (DBS), areas measuring just a few cubic millimeters deep within the brain are stimulated with mild electricity by an implanted device sometimes called the “pacemaker of the brain.” The purpose is to regulate brain activity in conditions like Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
The neurosurgeon’s task is to place the electrodes in the brain precisely. The neurologist’s task is to program the stimulation field emitted by the electrodes. Both require the same thing: An exact 3D visualization of each patient's individual brain anatomy.
“Brainlab software seamlessly bridges the worlds of neurosurgery and neurology. And it is precisely this seamless workflow that significantly improves the patient experience.”
Today, a shared software platform—the result of a strategic collaboration between Brainlab and Boston Scientific—provides neurologists with exactly the same image the surgeon used in the operating room—including the electrode’s position within the patient’s brain. This precision makes possible asleep deep brain stimulation, performed under general anesthesia, which significantly reduces patient anxiety without compromising surgical accuracy.
Based on this, models calculate the optimal stimulation volume before the first programming attempt on the patient begins. Programming time is significantly reduced—as is the burden on the patient.
“Today, we have segmented electrodes with up to 16 contacts. This increases the complexity of programming—but it also allows us to stimulate virtually any area of the brain with sub-millimeter precision around the electrode.”
In this video, Dr. Volkmann and Dr. Zrinzo explain what this collaborative workflow looks like in clinical practice—and how the two disciplines work together to determine who will benefit most from deep brain stimulation.
The statements made by the healthcare professionals during this interview represent their personal opinions and experiences. These statements may not be supported by scientific evidence or peer-reviewed research. For verified information about any devices mentioned, please refer to the manufacturer’s official documentation or seek clinical guidance.
