Next-Generation Deep Brain Stimulation Devices

NeuroNexus Technologies (Ann Arbor, MI, USA) and Philips Research, a division of Royal Philips Electronics (Amsterdam, The Netherlands), have announced that they have signed a joint research agreement to develop next-generation deep brain stimulation devices (DBSs) with the aspiration to improve the treatment of neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders.

By combining Philips Research's strengths in microelectronics, signal processing, ultra-low power system design, and miniaturization, together with NeuroNexus Technologies' expertise in micro-scale electrode design and fabrication, the two companies aim to show the technical feasibility of highly programmable and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-safe deep brain stimulation devices--"brain pacemakers" that send electrical impulses to specific parts of the patient's brain via permanently inserted electrodes. Their initial research will aim to meet the functional requirements of a DBS device for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

"As neuroscientists become increasingly able to understand the language of the brain and fix neurological conditions with advanced electrical stimulation techniques, they will need a new generation of DBS devices that give them much greater flexibility in tailoring therapy," said Daryl Kipke, CEO of NeuroNexus Technologies. "With our unique microscale implantable electrode technology and Philips Research's integration expertise, we are well positioned to make a significant leap forward in delivering technologies that will support neurologists and neurosurgeons in improving patient treatment."

"Contributing to the development of MRI-compatible deep brain stimulation devices may ultimately allow us to combine DBS technology with our functional imaging, image-guided intervention and therapy planning capabilities to produce integrated treatment suites for neurodegenerative disease," said Henk van Houten, senior vice president of Philips Research, and head of it's healthcare research program. "It's yet another example of where the coming together of in-depth clinical knowledge and world-class technology expertise can work to the benefit of patients."

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) that impairs people's motor skills and speech, leading to a progressive loss in quality of life.

Late-stage Parkinson's disease is increasingly being treated using deep brain stimulation; the pacemaker control unit is normally implanted into the patient's chest or abdomen, with a connecting lead routed under the skin to the brain electrode. However, patients may develop spine or other problems that would require further examination using MRI; with current implants, MRI scans are not possible due to the materials used in the fabrication of the DBS electrodes and the stimulators.

Related Links:
NeuroNexus Technologies
Royal Philips Electronics