A Picture Is Worth More Than A Thousand Words

Introducing new Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) technology from Boston Scientific: Image Guided Programming (IGP)

It’s 2022 and DBS technology is advancing. Whether you’re new to DBS or already implanted, it’s important to know that you have options.

The programming of your DBS device is as important as the device itself. Typically, DBS programming is perfected over time. Balancing symptoms and side effects can take quite some time and is achieved over many programming sessions. In the past, your physician would not be able to see where and how your lead was placed in the specific structures in your brain. This would cause programming to be solely trial and error based on your reaction. However, now with IGP, your physician can see exactly where your leads are located and precisely where your stimulation needs to be delivered. Personalized just for you. This may mean less trial and error, getting you symptom relief faster with less programming sessions.

How Does IGP Work? – We often hear, “How do you know the leads are in the right place?”, or “If my condition changes, can my therapy change too?” IGP answers both questions.

Here is how it works:

Images are collected before and during/after your DBS procedure. The images are loaded into the programming software and therapy is programmed precisely – based on the location of your leads. Stimulation can be adjusted to minimize side effects, at the initial programming and in the future.

When your device is programmed with IGP, you may spend less time in your programming sessions.* A recent study of 10 patients showed an initial programming time of 20 minutes; this is a 56% reduction in time typically spent in a session. The study concluded that IGP drastically reduces programming time without compromising symptom control and patient satisfaction.1

*Results from clinical studies are not predictive of results in other studies. Results in other studies may vary.

If you are interested in learning more, please go to www.parkinsonsresource.org/BostonScientific where they have been members since 2019.

References: 1. Lange F, Steigerwald F, Malzacher T, Brandt GA, Odorfer TM, Roothans J, Reich MM, Fricke P, Volkmann J, Matthies C and Capetian PD (2021) Reduced Programming Time and Strong Symptom Control Even in Chronic Course Through Imaging-Based DBS Programming. Front. Neurol. 12:785529. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2021.785529