Mavridis’ Area Targeting for Deep Brain Stimulation in Psychiatric Disorders: Stereotactic Microanatomy and Technical Aspects

The human Nucleus Accumbens (NA) constitutes nowadays a target of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for selected patients mainly suffering from some psychiatric disorders. Mavridis’ Area (MA) of the human brain is the most reliable stereotactically standard part of the NA, regardless of side or gender. Primary purpose of this review article was to discuss the MA as a stereotactic microanatomic target for NA DBS application, emphasizing on technical aspects of targeting the MA. A detailed search of the current literature regarding MA was applied. The critically reviewed literature was then used to discuss the MA as a stereotactic microanatomic target for NA DBS application, emphasizing on technical aspects of targeting the MA. The suggestion of future research directions was also aimed. Following the currently used trajectory through the anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC) in combination with the principles of the ‘port model’, a DBS electrode placement within the NA, targeting the MA, is feasible. MA could be the target area of one, only, of the electrode contacts, preferably contact 1 or 2. It could be also the target area for contact 0 in ALIC DBS and even the target for a combined NA-ALIC DBS. MA is the first and most representative example of the evolution of stereotactic anatomy into stereotactic microanatomy, in order to serve the development of the field of stereotactic microneurosurgery. MA is nowadays the most accurate stereotactic anatomic guide for targeting the human NA. It is a representative example of how stereotactic microanatomy could serve the development of stereotactic microneurosurgery. Following the currently used trajectory through the ALIC, a DBS electrode placement within the NA, targeting the MA, is feasible, allowing either NA or ALIC stimulation. Simultaneous stimulation of the NA and ALIC is also possible with this application.