Registered computed tomography images as an alternative to postimplantation magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of subthalamic electrode placement.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after implantation of electrodes in the subthalamic nuclei is currently performed at a number of sites, but a recent adverse incident and changes in MRI technology may heighten safety concerns. In this report, it is demonstrated that given whole-head image data, registration of postimplantation computed tomography to preimplantation MRI can enable verification of the position of electrodes to an accuracy of 2 mm. This registration technique can remove the need for potentially risky postoperative MRI.