Boston Scientific Vercise DBS System

[CCole]

In the US, the Boston Scientific DBS system is still undergoing approval studies before it can freely compete with Medtronics' DBS system. I am contemplating, participating in the study so that I can gain access to the new technologies that are only available through the new Boston Scientific Vercise system. It is my understanding that this system is already approved in the EU. I would like to be able to talk to some PD/DBS participants and get some first hand feedback on how the Boston Scientific system is working. Has anyone had this DBS system implanted?

[Sorab]

I understand that Boston Scientific Vercise DBS System can be fine tuned and has better battery life and smaller in size.

[Merlofriend]

Yes I have the BS Vercise system implanted, and I'm in the UK. It has been with me since early August last year, and was given to me as a 'more sophisticated' DBS to replace the one from Medtronics that became infected. I have lost count of the number of times I have been reprogrammed, in the attempt to reduce unwanted side effects. Side effects range from difficulty swallowing, to leaden legs when walking and eyelid apraxia. Although I must say my tremor is largely reduced, which the previous stimulator also reduced. Recharging is wirelessly done, once a week, supposedly lasting for 25 years. Please ask away.

[pgj1962]

Hello my friend,

I am from the UK and am under the wonderful staff at the Walton Centre in Liverpool. I had the Boston Scientific DBS implanted 2 years ago, yes it does need to be programmed a number of times to get the correct levels of stimulation and it sometimes needs tweaking each time I visit the staff but this takes about 5 or 10 minutes maybe twice a year. A small price to pay for such a significant improvement in my physical and mental state. I would highly recommend it to anyone that is thinking about having the operation. Go for it. Any questions I would be glad to answer.

Regards

Phil

[Cybergrrrl]

I am in the U.S. and participating in the intrepid study. I've had the device since December. It's amazing. The study requires a five year commitment and quite a few appointments but in my opinion it is completely worthwhile. The only downside (so far) is that if your remote is lost or damaged you can't just drop by any hospital or neuro center in North America; access to the technology is limited to the centers participating in the study. Happy to answer any additional questions.

[CCole in reply to Cybergrrrl]

I have so many questions that I don't know where to start, but I'll try:\

1. How long have you had PD? Main symptoms? Meds? Age?

2.Where did you do your surgery? One side or both? Med level since surgery?

3. How long to get the programming fine tuned?

4. Amount of benefit?

5. in Hindsight would you do anything differently?

6. Current symptom status vs. before?

7. Which symptoms have benefited the most: Tremor, sleep, rigidity?

Sorry for overwhelming you with questions. Thanks for your help.

CCole

[Cybergrrrl in reply to CCole]

Please send me your email address and I will gladly respond offline.

The eligibility criteria for the trial are online if you google the trial name. University of Utah has quite good Information.

I would do it again in a heartbeat.