Feasibility of Nationwide Remote Chronic Neural Data Collection from Recording-Enabled Deep Brain Stimulation Systems

Bidirectional deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices can continuously record neural activity while delivering stimulation. Due to memory limitations on the implanted device on which data are stored, frequent data downloads are required to prevent data loss. In this study, we present a novel collaborative data collection method utilizing a nationwide network of device representatives to allow frequent data transfer that reduces data loss without imposing travel burden on patients.

We collected chronic neural data from nine patients with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder who received ventral capsule/ventral striatum DBS treatment between May 2023 and August 2024. We included patients implanted with the Medtronic Percept generator (either primary or rechargeable cell). Because most patients live at a distance from our center, our team worked in conjunction with patients and local device representatives to coordinate data acquisition meetings.

In total, we collected 40,080 h of neural data through in-person clinic visits (57.0%) and representative-facilitated remote downloads (43.0%). A team of seven device representatives completed 21 downloads across seven cities. Six of the nine patients completed ≥1 remote download. The percentage of potential data not captured was 54.8% (n = 3) among patients without remote downloads, compared to 29.1% (n = 6) among those with at least one remote download.

Our data collection strategy helps mitigate the loss of neural data recorded on DBS devices for patients who live remote to the programming center and/or who visit the center infrequently. Nonetheless, challenges remain in ensuring regular downloads to prevent information loss. Implementation of automated downloads may further decrease data loss and patient burden.