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Updated: May 28, 2026
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Intra-Operative Behavioral Tasks in Awake Humans Undergoing Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
Published on: January 6, 2011
Socioeconomic Trends in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery
Shivanand P Lad1, Paul S Kalanithi, Chirag G Patil
1Outcomes Research Laboratory, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; and Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
Summary
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery volume significantly increased from 1993 to 2006, driven by new indications like Parkinson's disease. Costs also rose substantially during this period.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Technology Trends
- Health Economics
Background:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical procedure involving the implantation of electrodes.
- The period from 1993 to 2006 witnessed evolving applications and adoption of DBS technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the trends in deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures over a 14-year period (1993-2006).
- To analyze changes in DBS surgical volume, indications, and associated costs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.
- Analyzed data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP).
Main Results:
- A total of 34,792 DBS surgeries were performed between 1993 and 2006.
- Surgical volume increased from 756 cases in 1993 to 4,200 cases in 2006.
- Significant growth correlated with regulatory approval for Parkinson's disease and dystonia indications.
- The average cost of DBS surgery rose from $38,840 in 1993 to $69,329 in 2006.
- Most procedures (97%) were performed in metropolitan areas at large academic centers (91%).
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a significant expansion in DBS utilization and associated costs.
- Future research should address the socioeconomic impact of DBS on patient access and disease management for new indications.
