Objective: To compare and contrast the currently available deep brain stimulation (DBS) platforms in the United States, their technical features, capabilities and practicality of usage.

Background: DBS is an effective surgical treatment for Parkinson disease (PD), essential tremor (ET), and dystonia. The FDA approved the Medtronic Activa therapy to treat ET in 1997 and PD in 2002. Subsequently, two more device platforms, the Abbott Infinity and Boston Scientific Vercise systems have joined the therapeutic arena. Therefore, now there are more available options of devices to choose from when implanting patients with DBS.

Method: Information used to compare the three systems was obtained from published literature and websites of manufacturers. We compared categories that include approved indications, number of contacts, design, contact length and inter-contact spacing, stimulation field, polarity, programmable characteristics, clinician and patient programmers, MRI accessibility and safety features.

Results: Unlike traditional DBS systems that are built from pacemaker technology, the Versice system is modeled from cochlear implant technology. It also features an extended life span with a novel current control and has the smallest battery size. All three systems provide constant current sources. The number of lead contact points have increased from four to eight. Newer electrodes also provide segmented ring contacts. All but one manufacturer provide rechargeable systems. Two of the systems have MRI compatibility.

Conclusion: Fundamentally, all DBS systems deliver electrical current to the brain to alleviate symptoms. Variations between devices can be viewed as “tweaks” to potentially enhance benefits and lessen side effects, however some of the unique technical features do set them apart. Not only do these give doctors and patients more options, they also spur competition and innovation. To achieve the best therapeutic effects and patient outcomes, it is important to consider all the available systems based on patient profiles, technical features, programming characteristics, practicality of usage, and limitations of each system.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/comparison-of-current-dbs-platforms-in-the-united-states/