Since the first implant in 2007, Cook Children's has established itself as one of the elite DBS programs in the nation with more than 80 surgeries to date. Learn more about neurosurgery here.
Deep brain stimulation surgery involves two parts: implanting electrodes into the brain and a pacemaker under the skin of the chest. The two devices are connected by the surgeons and electrical impulses are sent from the pacemaker to the brain to correct the abnormal impulses of the movement disorder. At many other hospitals the devices are implanted in two different surgeries and then connected. At Cook Children's the devices are placed at the same time so the child only has to undergo one surgery. Since the first implant in 2007, Cook Children's established itself as one of the elite DBS programs in the nation, with 13 surgical cases over a 10-month period.
The neurosurgical intervention procedure
Cook Children's is the first pediatric medical center to perform deep brain stimulation (DBS) on sleeping patients with dystonia. The iMRI and real time intraoperative image guidance technology helps with procedure visualization so patients now can remain asleep during surgery. The integrated system of software, disposable components and reusable hardware is used for planning and targeting. It is the only technology that enables minimally invasive neurosurgery under continuous MRI guidance with superior visualization of the brain's tissue.
Benefits of real-time neurosurgical visualization at Cook Children's:
- Allows DBS on sleeping patients.
- Increases patient comfort, and decreases anxiety during surgery.
- Facilitates treatment for patients who would otherwise not make good neurosurgery candidates.
After either type of DBS surgery, your child will return home. Within a few weeks, he or she will need to come back to our neurosciences center where the doctor will adjust their pacemaker. You will also be given instruction in exercises to helps your child gain as much mobility as possible. As your child progresses and as grows, additional visits will be required to adjust the pacemaker.
Whether your child undergoes awake DBS or asleep DBS, there's one thing you can trust: from diagnosis through rehab in our Movement Disorder Center, Cook Children's neurosciences team works closely with your child, your family, and your child's pediatrician to ensure the very best outcome possible.
Our program offers a dedicated team in a unique collaborative setting including:
- Neurologists with movement disorder experience
- Neurosurgeons with experience in stereotactic localization (operating on a small target)
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Operating room support
- Skilled nurses
- Anesthesiologists
- Child Life specialists
- MRI technicians
- Radiologists
- Neuropsychologists
