A New Deep Brain Stimulation Technique: Multisource-Current Steering

An investigational device might lead to improved DBS treatment of Parkinson disease with fewer adverse effects.

To date, the methods for applying deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the brain have been focused on using a single voltage-driven electrical source to deliver current. To investigate the safety and potential effectiveness of using multiple-source current steering to deliver electricity to the brain, researchers conducted an unblinded, open-label, manufacturer-sponsored 6-center European investigation of both unilateral and bilateral subthalamic nucleus DBS in 40 patients with Parkinson disease (PD). This new DBS system was comprised of an eight-contact constant-current lead design. In comparison, the available FDA-approved DBS system has four contacts per lead and is voltage-driven. The primary outcome variable was the change in Unified Parkin…

Reviewing Author

Michael S. Okun, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardParkinson’s Foundation; Tourette Association of America

Speaker’s BureauMedscape/WebMD CME, Movement Disorders Society CME, American Academy of Neurology CME

RoyaltiesBooks4Patients; Demos; Cambridge; Taylor and Francis; Robert Rose; Public Affairs

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; Parkinson’s Foundation; Tourette Association of America; University of Florida Foundation

Editorial BoardsTremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements; JAMA Neurology

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesParkinson’s Foundation (Medical Advisor)