Deep brain stimulation system demonstrates improvement in motor function in Parkinson’s disease

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Patients with Parkinson’s disease using the Boston Scientific Vercise deep brain stimulation system showed a significant improvement in motor scores according to interim data from the VANTAGE deep brain stimulation study. Data from the six month follow-up of up to 40 participants enrolled in the VANTAGE trial were presented at the annual International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders in Sydney, Australia, by Lars Timmermann, University Hospital in Koln, Germany. 

According to a press release, preliminary analysis of the VANTAGE study displayed an approximately 60% mean improvement in motor function at six months post implant, as assessed by UPDRS III when compared to baseline.

The Boston Scientific sponsoredstudy was designed to document patient outcomes. These include effectiveness, safety, and health economic data derived from bilateral stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in the brain using the implantable system for the treatment of levodopa-responsive, moderate to severe idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Forty participants with Parkinson’s disease were implanted bilaterally at six European centres. 

“We are pleased to see such a significant improvement in motor function,” said Francois Alesch, professor for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery at Medical University, Vienna, Austria, and neurosurgical principal investigator of the trial. “I believe this unique technology, with its multiple current sources, may provide us with a more adaptable form of deep brain stimulation therapy. I was very pleased with the simple recharging system. All of my patients were able to recharge successfully.”

Results from the VANTAGE study interim data included:

  • All 40 participants underwent successful implantation of the Vercise system
  • It demonstrated a significant improvement in motor function (p<0.0001), as assessed by UPDRS III at six months post first lead implant as compared with baseline
  • Preliminary analysis suggested the Vercise system improved participants’ “on” time, as assessed by at-home motor diaries, activities of daily living and quality of life at six months
  • The charging of the Vercise system was well tolerated by all participants

“With these data, clinicians can be confident in their decision to implant the Vercise DBS System,” said Timmermann. “The ability to utilise multiple independent current control to selectively stimulate areas within the brain may provide improved outcomes for these patients.  I look forward to seeing the longer-term data from the VANTAGE study.”

The Vercise deep brain stimulation system has both CE mark and TGA (Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration) approval and is available for sale in Europe, Israel and Australia. In the USA the Vercise system is investigational and not available for use or sale.