Advancing Deep Brain Stimulation: The Latest Innovations in Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the latest care and technology advancements for patients with Parkinson’s disease. At Columbia Neurosurgery, we are committed to offering the most advanced deep brain stimulation (DBS) technologies to help patients achieve better, more consistent control of their symptoms. DBS is evolving rapidly, with groundbreaking innovations that provide more personalized, adaptable, and patient-friendly therapy than ever before. Dr. Brett Youngerman, who focuses on movement disorders and a leading expert on deep brain stimulation, shares his perspective on how the latest innovations in DBS are shaping care.
The Next Generation of Deep Brain Stimulation
For decades, DBS has been a life-changing therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease, particularly those whose symptoms are not well controlled with medication alone. According to Dr. Youngerman, “New technologies are now making this treatment even more effective, customizable, and convenient for both patients and neurologists.”
Medtronic’s Adaptive “Closed-Loop” Deep Brain Stimulation
A significant milestone in Parkinson’s treatment was the recent FDA approval of Medtronic’s “closed-loop” adaptive DBS system. This groundbreaking technology continuously records brain signals using BrainSense™ technology and automatically adjusts stimulation to match the patient’s changing symptoms throughout the day. Unlike traditional DBS, which delivers a fixed stimulation level, this system responds dynamically to fluctuations in symptoms like tremor, rigidity, and slowness.
For patients, this could mean smoother, more stable symptom control for extended periods each day, reducing the impact of “off” times and unpredictable motor fluctuations. By tailoring stimulation in real time, adaptive DBS offers a more refined and personalized approach to managing Parkinson’s disease.
Remote Programming with Abbott’s DBS Technology
Another significant innovation is remote DBS programming, which is now available through Abbott’s system. With telehealth-based programming, neurologists can adjust DBS settings remotely, eliminating the need for frequent in-person visits. This is especially beneficial for patients who live in remote areas or have difficulty traveling due to their Parkinson’s symptoms.
This advancement means that patients no longer need to endure long trips for routine DBS adjustments—we can fine-tune their therapy from the comfort of their homes. This innovation not only enhances accessibility but also ensures that patients receive timely and optimized care as their symptoms evolve.
More Precise Stimulation with Boston Scientific’s DBS System
Boston Scientific has taken DBS customization to the next level with its latest device featuring more stimulation contacts than any previous system. The increased number of metal contact points at the end of the DBS lead allows for greater precision in directing stimulation to the most beneficial areas of the brain while avoiding structures that could cause side effects. This fine-tuned control means we can better tailor DBS therapy to each patient, maximizing symptom relief while minimizing unwanted effects like speech difficulties or muscle contractions. More precise stimulation leads to better long-term outcomes and improved quality of life for our patients.
Additional Innovations: MRI Compatibility & Rechargeable Systems
Across all DBS manufacturers, new implantable devices are now MRI-compatible and offer rechargeable battery options. These systems feature smaller implanted batteries that can be recharged wirelessly through the skin, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacement surgeries. For patients, this translates to fewer invasive procedures and a longer lifespan for their DBS system.
Why Choose Columbia Neurosurgery for DBS?
At Columbia Neurosurgery, successful DBS treatment starts with a meticulous evaluation process and a multidisciplinary team approach. Our expert team—including neurosurgeons, neurologists, and neuropsychologists —collaborates to determine whether DBS is the right choice for each patient. Our history with DBS is longstanding. Columbia was among the first centers in the United States to offer deep brain stimulation, including offering asleep, single-stage DBS and our Movement Disorders Center has trained many leaders in the field. Said Dr. Youngerman, “We take pride in continuing to advance the field by offering the latest technology from each of the approved DBS manufacturers, ensuring that each patient receives a tailored therapy plan that aligns with their unique needs and priorities.”
