Changes in RF Transmit Gain Before and After DBS Lead Placement in 36 Consecutive Patients

Matt A. Bernstein¹, Heidi A. Ward¹, Kiaran P. McGee¹, Joel P. Felmlee¹, Vicki L. Knudsen¹, Krzysztof R. Gorny¹, John Huston III¹, Kendall H. Lee¹

The RF power level, as measured by auto-prescan during 1.5T MRI scanning with a transmit/receive head coil was recorded for 36 consecutive patients before and after placement of one (n = 8) or two (n = 28) deep brain stimulator leads (DBS). The average change in power level was 0.111 +/- 4.65 counts, as measured in units of 1/10 dB. In these units, 30 counts represent a factor two in power. These data suggest that placement of DBS leads does not significantly affect the RF power calibration.