DBS Devices

[Sleeplessparki]

Hi all..... for those of you that have had this procedure any recommendations on which device to go with? My understanding there are two that have been around for awhile Medtronic Activa and St Jude medicals infinity and a new one recently approved Boston Scientific’s Vercise. The hospital that I’m going with to do my procedure has contracts with the first two companies so I’m curious if anyone has anything to share with which one to chose?

[jeeves19]

I've not had DBS but the Vercise have some interesting clips on YouTube. They seem to offer an excellent productt

[Sleeplessparki in reply to jeeves19]

I agree the vercise looks interesting and I would give it a shot but unfortunately not offered at my Hospital

[movinngroovin1]

Bervelt (spelling)

It is smaller and more efficient

[etterus]

I have had the Medtronic unit for 3 years. It was the only unit available. I am having more problems with speech as I turn up the current to control my foot dystonia, a common problem. It’s due to a bleeding over of the stimulation that is beneficial to adjacent pathways that control speech. Hopefully the new generation of electrodes will be directional and steerable to control the stimulation better.

researchgate.net/publicatio...

[Sleeplessparki in reply to etterus]

Is the bleeding normal? Is there any pain or head ache associated with it...?

Are you happy with your results with DBS?

[etterus in reply to Sleeplessparki]

The “bleeding over “ is not blood but rather electric current that is not desirable. There’s no pain. As I read my post I did not intend to state that the stimulation was beneficial for speech.

I’m relatively content with my DBS

[Sleeplessparki in reply to etterus]

My misunderstanding. Did you do your procedure awake?

[etterus in reply to Sleeplessparki]

No I had mine done at Oregon Health Science University by Dr Kim Burchiel who has been a pioneer in developing a full anesthesia technique that is less invasive and disturbing to adjacent brain tissue. The recovery is much quicker as is the surgery.

[Sleeplessparki in reply to etterus]

I’m going to have the asleep method as well.

[Pelley]

Ive had the Medtronics unit bilateral for 6 years and one battery replacement. I am very happy with the results and performance of the hardware. The Neuro recommendation was all I had to go by at the time and I believe I'm glad I did.

I would also have to say the hardware is only as good as the programmer once it is installed. In my experiences I have a "favorite" programmer I request when I need a "tune up".

[Andy_F]

I have the latest Boston Scientific Vercise with bilateral 4 zone directional electrodes and the new rechargeable battery with up to 25 years life expectancy. The results have been revelationary, my bradykinesia is gone, dexterity and confidence are back, no background tremor and my leg drags a lot less. I had the surgery in one session, asleep, with MRI guidance for electrode implantation, it was a breeze to be honest, I was walking around 8 hours post surgery.

There is a new 8 zone directional electrode coming out/just out; It is definitely worth having the directional electrodes in case of side effects, but I'm delighted with my outcome so far.

[Sleeplessparki in reply to Andy_F]

Sounds fantastic......I’m glad to hear of your success!! Where do you have the procedure done? Unfortunately Brigham & Womens Hospital where I’m having it done doesn’t have a contract with Boston Scientific

[Andy_F]

I had my procedure done at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London, I live in Plymouth but had my consultant refer me to the team there, neurosurgeon was Ludovic Zrinzo; they've done almost 800 implants now with a peerless track record.