Dual-floor Burr Hole Technique Optimized for Modern Burr Hole Caps with an Internal Electrode Locking Mechanism

Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 2023 Sep 15;63(9):432-435. doi: 10.2176/jns-nmc.2023-0047. Epub 2023 Jul 10.

Abstract

Insertion of a deep brain stimulating electrode is a commonly performed procedure. Burr hole caps play an important role in this procedure by immobilizing this electrode; however, burr hole caps could form scalp bumps, which can create further complications. The dual-floor burr hole technique could prevent the formation of scalp bumps. This technique has previously been used with older versions of burr hole caps and has proved to be successful. In recent years, modern burr hole caps with an internal electrode locking mechanism have become the mainstay for this procedure. However, modern burr hole caps differ considerably in diameter and shape from older burr hole caps. In the present study, a dual-floor burr hole technique was performed using modern burr hole caps. To accommodate the increase in diameters and changes in the shape of modern burr hole caps, a perforator with a 30-mm diameter was used for shaving the bone, and the bone shaving depth was altered. This surgical technique was applied to 23 consecutive deep brain stimulation surgeries without complications and was thus positively optimized for modern burr hole caps.

Keywords: burr hole cap; deep brain stimulation; dual-floor burr hole technique.

MeSH terms

  • Brain
  • Deep Brain Stimulation* / methods
  • Electrodes
  • Humans
  • Scalp
  • Trephining* / methods