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Controlling Parkinson's Disease With Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation
Published on: July 16, 2014
Longevity analysis of currently available deep brain stimulation devices
Casey H Halpern1, Kathryn R McGill, Gordon H Baltuch
1Center for Functional and Restorative Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA.
Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery
|December 3, 2010
Summary
The Soletra deep brain stimulation (DBS) system offers significantly longer battery life than the Kinetra system. This longevity supports better symptom control for Parkinson's disease and essential tremor patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a common treatment for Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.
- Debate exists regarding optimal surgical techniques, electrophysiology, and hardware for DBS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the longevity of Medtronic's Kinetra and Soletra internal pulse generators (IPGs) for DBS.
- To analyze stimulation parameters associated with each IPG.
Main Methods:
- Compared time to first IPG replacement in patients with bilateral Soletra versus unilateral Kinetra IPGs.
- Analyzed stimulation parameters for both devices.
Main Results:
- The Soletra system demonstrated significantly longer battery life compared to the Kinetra system.
- Soletra allowed for higher voltages, extended monopolar mode use, and more electrode contacts.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral Soletra IPGs exhibit superior battery longevity.
- Soletra IPGs provide greater capacity for adjusting stimulation to manage symptoms effectively.

