Deep brain stimulation of the lateral habenular complex in treatment-resistant depression: traps and pitfalls of trajectory choice.

BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has recently been discussed as a promising treatment option for severe cases of major depression. Experimental data have suggested that the lateral habenular complex (LHb-c) is a central region of depression-related neuronal circuits. Because of its location close to the midline, stereotactic targeting of the LHb-c presents surgeons with distinct challenges.

OBJECTIVE: To define the obstacles of DBS surgery for stimulation of the LHb-c and thus to establish safe trajectories.

METHODS: Stereotactic magnetic resonance imaging data sets of 54 hemispheres originating from 27 DBS patients were taken for analysis on a stereotactic planning workstation. After alignment of images according to the anterior commissure--posterior commissure definition, analyses focused on vessels and enlarged ventricles interfering with trajectories.

RESULTS: As major trajectory obstacles, enlarged ventricles and an interfering superior thalamic vein were found. A standard frontal trajectory (angle > 40° relative to the anterior commissure--posterior commissure in sagittal images) for bilateral stimulation was safely applicable in 48% of patients, whereas a steeper frontal trajectory (angle <40 relative to the anterior commissure--posterior commissure in sagittal images) for bilateral stimulation was possible in 96%. Taken together, safe bilateral targeting of the LHb-c was possible in 98% of all patients.

CONCLUSION: Targeting LHb-c is a feasible and safe technique in the majority of patients undergoing surgery for DBS. However, meticulous individual planning to avoid interference with ventricles and thalamus-related veins is mandatory because an alternative steep frontal entry point has to be considered in about half of the patients.