Category: Parkinson's Disease: Surgical Therapy
Objective: We assessed the clinical efficacy and safety of a novel deep brain stimulation (DBS) system equipped with 16-contact directional leads in improving motor symptoms and quality of life among patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Background: Directional DBS leads enhance targeting accuracy and can minimize stimulation-induced side effects. A new 16-contact directional system, offering configurations of 3-3-3-3-3-1 and 3-3-3-3-1-1-1-1 with multiple independent current control, allows tailored stimulation across several levels. We examined its effects on motor outcomes, medication use, and quality of life in PD.
Method: This prospective, multicenter, open-label trial (NCT04577651) enrolled 49 PD patients at 10 European centers. Participants were implanted with the Vercise Genus™ DBS system (Boston Scientific) and activated postoperatively. The primary endpoint was the change in MDS-UPDRS Part III (medication off) from baseline to 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints included PDQ-39, LEDD, and adverse events. Follow-up was conducted at 12 and 26 weeks and annually through two years.
Results: At 12 weeks, motor function improved by 41% (mean reduction of 20 points), with durable effects maintained at Year 1 (21-point reduction) and Year 2 (22-point reduction) (p < 0.0001). Antiparkinsonian medication requirements decreased by 37% at 26 weeks and remained lower through Year 2. PDQ-39 results showed significant improvements across mobility, activities of daily living, bodily discomfort, and stigma domains. No unexpected safety concerns were identified. Data collection continues, and further outcomes will be reported as they accrue.
Conclusion: The 16-contact directional DBS system provided durable improvements in motor outcomes, quality of life, and medication use in PD. These findings reinforce the safety and clinical value of directional stimulation and its potential to optimize patient-specific therapy.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
F. Morgante, C. Matthies, S. Vinke, R. Schuurman, V. Visser-Vandewalle, A. Gharabaghi, V. Coenen, J. Fitzgerald, D. Pedrosa, A. Kühn, C. Mertz, L. Chen, R. Shivacharan, E. Goldberg. Therapeutic Efficacy of a Next-Generation 16-Contact Directional Deep Brain Stimulation System in Parkinson’s Disease [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2026; 41 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/therapeutic-efficacy-of-a-next-generation-16-contact-directional-deep-brain-stimulation-system-in-parkinsons-disease/. Accessed October 1, 2026.« Back to 2026 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/therapeutic-efficacy-of-a-next-generation-16-contact-directional-deep-brain-stimulation-system-in-parkinsons-disease/