Neuro - Model TOPS DBS - Deep Brain Stimulation Technology
TOPS technology was developed by Duke University Biomedical Engineering Professor, Dr. Warren Grill. After more than a decade of research, Professor Grill`s lab discovered a way to `speak` to the area of the brain that controls movement in people with Parkinson`s disease. The stimulation patterns were designed to be more effective and/or more energy efficient than standard DBS.
Deep brain stimulation has been established as an effective therapy to treat motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. After the electrodes are surgically implanted, the clinical effectiveness of DBS therapy is dependent on selection of stimulation parameters through programming. While many Parkinson’s patients experience improvement in motor symptoms, many have results that are not optimal. Outcomes may be improved through better programming, leading to the development of novel stimulation patterns.
Computer models and engineering methods were used to design novel temporal patterns of stimulation1,2,3. The resulting TOPS DBS were tested in clinical feasibility studies, and the results showed promise in improving Parkinson’s disease symptoms in participants using TOPS DBS compared to conventional DBS. DBI is now conducting a study to evaluate the use of these patterns in study participants at home.
Traditionally, DBS clinicians can adjust the following stimulation parameters:
- frequency (number of pulses per second)
- pulse duration (length of time each stimulus pulse is on)
- amplitude (strength of stimulus pulses)
- implanted lead contact configuration (which electrodes are on)
DBI`s proprietary TOPS™ DBS technology, designed to improve the effectiveness and energy efficiency of DBS, provides clinicians with a new programming option:
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temporal pattern (the sequence of stimulus pulse timing).