Dutch researchers from Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc) and the University of Twente have taken an important step towards the safe use of 3 Tesla (3T) MRI scans in patients who have undergone Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. By developing an adapted MRI protocol, the team demonstrated that implanted DBS electrodes may be visualized safely and accurately immediately after surgery, potentially improving both treatment verification and follow-up care.
The development builds on broader MRI innovation efforts at the University of Twente, which is involved in several initiatives aimed at advancing MRI technology and expanding its clinical applications.
Growing global challenge
The findings come at a time when Parkinson’s disease is becoming an increasingly significant global health challenge. More than 11 million people worldwide currently live with Parkinson’s disease, while an estimated 16 to 17 people per 100,000 are newly diagnosed each year. Due to population growth and ageing, researchers expect the global number of Parkinson’s patients to exceed 25 million by 2050.
For many patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease, Deep Brain Stimulation offers an effective treatment option. During the procedure, electrodes are implanted deep within the brain to electrically stimulate specific regions involved in movement control.
Accurate electrode placement is crucial, as the target structures are often only a few millimetres in size. Before surgery, MRI scans are routinely used to identify these targets. After implantation, however, clinicians typically rely on CT imaging to verify electrode placement.
Limitations of current imaging
While CT scans clearly show the implanted electrodes, they provide limited information about the surrounding brain tissue. MRI offers far greater anatomical detail but is generally avoided after DBS implantation because of safety concerns.
MRI systems use powerful radiofrequency signals that can concentrate around metallic implants and cause local heating. The risk is particularly relevant for 3T MRI systems, which are widely used because of their superior image quality compared to lower-field scanners.
Previous studies demonstrated that heating around a single DBS electrode could be reduced through carefully adjusted scanning parameters. However, Parkinson’s patients are often implanted with electrodes on both sides of the brain.
“Until now, it was unclear whether both electrodes could be scanned safely at the same time,” explained Camille Van Speybroeck, resident in Clinical Physics at Radboudumc.
Improved post-operative assessment
According to the research team, the newly developed protocol makes this possible. Their results indicate that heating around both electrodes remains within safe limits while image distortions are also reduced.
This could enable clinicians to perform accurate MRI-based verification of electrode placement immediately after surgery and obtain higher-quality follow-up images during treatment.
An additional advantage is that the method appears compatible with standard 3T MRI systems already available in many hospitals. No specialised hardware modifications are required, potentially simplifying future clinical implementation.
Translating innovation into healthcare
The DBS study was conducted within HealthTech Nexus, the strategic partnership between Radboudumc and the University of Twente. Established in 2024, the initiative aims to accelerate healthcare innovation by combining clinical expertise with technological research and development.
Within HealthTech Nexus, researchers, healthcare professionals and students collaborate on solutions for healthcare challenges that currently lack adequate answers. By connecting Radboudumc’s clinical and research capabilities with the University of Twente’s engineering expertise, the partnership seeks to bring promising innovations to patients more quickly.
Researchers from Radboudumc and the University of Twente have developed a new MRI protocol that could enable safe 3T MRI imaging immediately after Deep Brain Stimulation surgery, improving care for Parkinson’s patients worldwide.
