OU Health Adopts Leading-Edge Technology for Deep Brain Stimulation Procedures

OU Health is at the forefront of developing leading-edge procedures and implementing breakthrough technology to significantly improve the lives of patients with movement disorders and other neurological conditions. By adopting innovative approaches, OU Health continues to set new standards in patient care and treatment options.

One such advancement is ClearPoint Neuro, Inc.'s SmartFrame OR™ platform, which revolutionizes Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgeries. DBS is a surgical procedure that involves implanting a neurostimulator in the brain to deliver electrical impulses, benefiting patients with movement disorders and certain other neurological conditions. The new technology enables best-in-class accurate electrode placement in the brain while patients are asleep, resulting in faster, more accurate procedures that reduce patient anxiety.

“SmartFrame OR represents a paradigm shift for DBS surgeries,” said OU Health neurosurgeon Dr. Andrew Conner, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Dr. Conner was among the first surgeons to use the device during the FDA Usability Study. OU Health is the first health system in the world to adopt the platform.

“This new technology represents a leap forward for DBS surgery. It offers incredibly accurate, consistent, and reliable results. It is truly a game-changer,” Dr. Conner said.

Movement disorders affect approximately 42 million people in the United. States. These disorders include conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and others. Common treatments for movement disorders typically involve medications to manage symptoms, physical and occupational therapy, botulinum toxin injections, and surgical options like DBS.

Traditionally, patients undergoing a DBS procedure can only be asleep if the procedure is done in an MRI machine; however, due to safety concerns, patients with pacemakers or other such medical devices are unable to undergo the procedure in an MRI environment. For example, pacemakers could heat within the MRI machine, and if the patient is asleep, they are unable to communicate any potentially dangerous discomfort to the surgeons; thus, the procedure must be performed in the operating room.

However, the accuracy isn’t as fine-tuned as an MRI machine when performing this procedure in the operating room, because it relies on equipment that must be frequently re-calibrated and specially maintained.

With the introduction of SmartFrame OR, OU Health now offers patients the option of undergoing best-in-class accurate electrode placement in the brain in the OR while comfortably asleep.

SmartFrame OR is a stereotactic platform featuring a disposable, temporary mount on the skull that facilitates precise electrode placement with best-in-class accuracy. This innovation not only integrates advanced imaging tools for real-time visualization, but also automates adjustments, reducing the need for repeat scans and optimizing patient care during surgery. Furthermore, each platform does not require specialized maintenance and frequent calibration, resulting in consistent and reliable accuracy in every case.

The new SmartFrame OR platform seamlessly integrates with MRI and CT technology, directly in the operating room with high quality precision. This integration and increased accuracy eliminates the previous necessity for awake procedures in the OR providing patients a safer more efficient, and less anxiety-inducing surgical option.

“OU Health's adoption of SmartFrame puts us on the global map,” said Dr. Conner. “We're proud to lead the way in patient-centered innovation.