Fixed-Life or Rechargeable Battery for Deep Brain Stimulation: Which Do Patients Prefer?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a widely used therapy for neurological and psychiatric conditions.
• Implantable pulse generators for DBS are available as non-rechargeable (fixed-life) or rechargeable options.
• Patient preferences and decision-making factors regarding DBS battery types are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate patient preferences for fixed-life versus rechargeable batteries in deep brain stimulation (DBS).
• To identify the key factors influencing patient choices between different DBS battery types.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 30 adult patients with movement disorders undergoing pre-DBS assessment were surveyed.
• Patients were offered a choice between fixed-life and rechargeable batteries.
• A questionnaire assessed factors influencing their battery choice post-consultation.

Main Results:

• 63% of patients selected fixed-life batteries, while 37% chose rechargeable ones.
• Patient demographics and disease severity did not significantly influence battery choice.
• Convenience and avoiding the need to recharge were primary reasons for choosing fixed-life batteries.
• Avoiding further surgery was the main driver for selecting rechargeable batteries.

Conclusions:

• The majority of patients with movement disorders preferred fixed-life DBS batteries due to lifestyle convenience.
• Improvements in the recharging process (frequency, duration, discretion) could enhance the acceptability of rechargeable DBS batteries.