Engineering the next generation of clinical deep brain stimulation technology

Area of Science:

• Neurological Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established clinical therapy for various neurological disorders.
• Despite clinical success, DBS technology has seen limited historical advancement.
• Interdisciplinary collaborations are emerging to address technological limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of current clinical DBS practices for engineers and computer scientists.
• To highlight technological developments in surgical targeting, stimulation parameters, protocols, and hardware.
• To review advancements for near-term clinical application of next-generation DBS systems.

Main Methods:

• Review of current clinical deep brain stimulation practices.
• Analysis of emerging technological developments in DBS.
• Focus on innovations evaluated for clinical application.

Main Results:

• Current DBS practices are described for a non-specialist audience.
• Novel approaches in surgical targeting, parameter selection, protocols, and hardware are detailed.
• Technological advancements are being assessed for imminent clinical integration.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced collaboration is driving innovation in DBS technology.
• Next-generation DBS systems promise to overcome existing limitations.
• Technological progress is paving the way for improved neurological disorder treatments.