Background: Bi-directional brain interfacing (closed loop DBS) is a modern focus of neuroengineering research. Most current clinical systems are open loop, allowing one way communication from the IPG battery to the brain. Bi-directional systems allow both stimulation and recording of neural activity (local field potential, LFP). The system algorithm can measure known pathologic LFPs to guide change in stimulation. However, recording LFPs from the brain encounters electrical artifact from the heart. Reducing artifact is imperative to accurate measurement of neural activity. Artifact will cause the bi-directional system to miscalculate stimulation parameters. This project evaluated reduction of artifact by moving the IPG further away from the heart in a device implanted into the skull. Methods: LFP data from ongoing clinical trials was collected and analysed for artifact using open source code. Anatomic targets include STN, PPN, CMT, and PAG. Results: Cardiac artifact is reduced in skull mounted DBS as shown by power spectral density of LFPs in each region. Conclusions: This project shows the importance of surgical placement of DBS sensing devices to reduce cardiac artifact in bi-directional brain interfacing. This has important engineering and surgical design implications for safety and performance as the field of closed loop DBS transitions from research to clinical settings.