DBS therapy (Deep brain stimulation)

The method of DBS therapy is based on implantation of electrodes into certain brain structures through which low voltage and high frequency electric current is supplied. Pulses are generated by a pre-programmed device - a DBS neurostimulator consisting of a battery and a chip (microcomputer), which is implanted in the patient. Thus, impulses change the functions of selected brain structures and allow the patient to return to normal life.

Along with Parkinson's disease, DBS therapy is used in the treatment of diseases of the nervous system such as dystonia, essential tremor, epilepsy, obsessive-compulsive syndrome.

Advantages of the method

Deep brain stimulation has a number of advantages: firstly, it represents an alternative to destructive operations with the destruction of a certain part of the brain and, therefore, has fewer complications and reversible character.

Second, electrical stimulation is adjustable, and its parameters can be changed remotely by the doctor's programmer depending on the patient's condition or medical treatment parameters.

Thirdly, DBS therapy is a more effective method compared to taking drugs that cause severe side effects.

MRI compatibility

As of April 2018, the Medtronic DBS Extension deep brain stimulation system is the only MRI-compatible system in the world.

Implants in Russia

At the Interregional Clinical and Diagnostic Center in Kazan

Since 2012, implants of DBS systems have been carried out at the Interregional Clinical and Diagnostic Center in Kazan. On the basis of the Hospital for War Veterans, the Republican Clinical and Diagnostic Center for Extrapyramidal Pathology and Botulin Therapy was created, where highly qualified medical care is provided to patients with extrapyramidal diseases (manifested by motor disorders of neurological complications). Complex diagnosis and rehabilitation of patients with Parkinson's disease is carried out here. In case of indications for surgical intervention, patients are referred to the Interregional Clinical Diagnostic Center of Kazan or other federal centers where DBS systems are implanted.

However, as of June 2018, the allocated quotas are not enough to cover the needs of the region. Taking into account the annual increase in the number of patients in the RT, the installation of at least 20 DBS systems per year is required. In addition, patients find it difficult to travel to federal centers located in other regions of Russia for treatment due to the severity of motor disorders. "

Operations at the Institute of Human Brain named after N.P. Bekhterova RAS

Human Brain Institute. N.P. Behterova RAS is one of the leading federal medical clinics in the field of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Operations to implant DBS systems in patients with Parkinson's disease have been carried out at the IMC RAS since 2016. By April 2018, 15 operations had been performed. By the end of 2018, another 10 are planned.

N.P. Behterova Human Brain Institute is one of the leading scientific institutions focused on the study of the human brain using modern research methods. The Institute has accumulated extensive experience in the surgical treatment of epilepsy and parkinsonism, psychosurgical operations. Deep brain stimulation technology has excellent results in Parkinson's disease therapy. It allows you to effectively control the course of Parkinson's disease and other neurological diseases and significantly reduce the movement disorders that accompany these diseases. Thus, the patient returns to normal life, can work and serve himself independently, "says Natalya Vladimirovna Sterlikova

History

2024: Global sales growth of deep brain stimulation devices by 5% to $6.57 billion

In 2024, the global market for devices for deep brain stimulation reached $6.57 billion. The indicator of the previous year, when sales of such solutions were estimated at $6.27 billion, was exceeded by 5%. This is stated in the Market Research Future study, the results of which are presented in mid-March 2025.

One of the most significant drivers of the industry in question, analysts name the growing prevalence of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. As the global population ages, such diagnoses increase, leading to the need for effective treatments. Against this background, deep brain stimulation is increasingly used by medical professionals.

Another growth factor is technological advances in neuromodulation. Devices become more efficient and convenient to use. Advanced programming capabilities allow personalized treatment, optimizing therapy for the individual characteristics of the patient. The introduction of wireless technologies and improved battery life improve the user experience. The integration of digital medical platforms, such as remote monitoring and management systems, extend the functionality of the systems. The introduction of artificial intelligence and machine learning also plays an important role: these tools help analyze large amounts of information and adjust treatment regimens, as well as identify any hidden changes.

Increasing awareness of the benefits of deep brain stimulation among both patients and healthcare professionals is also having a positive impact on the market. Such therapy makes it possible to significantly improve the quality of life of people with serious neurological disorders. There has been a strengthening of collaboration between medical equipment manufacturers, researchers and healthcare institutions, which contributes to innovation and improved patient care. The focus shifts towards solutions that provide the most personalized approach to treatment.

The authors of the study highlight five key applications of devices for deep brain stimulation: Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression, Alzheimer's disease and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In 2024, the first of these segments accounted for $2.62 billion in revenue. Epilepsy therapy brought in $1.2 billion, depression - $0.9 billion. The treatment of Alzheimer's disease provided a contribution of about $1.2 billion, obsessive-compulsive disorder - $0.65 billion. Among the major market players named:

• Bionics;
• Dimensional Insights;
• Cleveland Medical Devices;
• NeuroPace;
• Functional Neuromodulation;
• Blackrock Neurotech;
• NeuroSigma;
• Stryker;
• Medtronic Bakken Research Center;
• Abbott Laboratories;
• Boston Scientific;
• St. Jude Medical;
• Zynex;
• Medtronic;
• Thync.

In 2024, North America was leading geographically with an estimate of $2.5 billion. In Europe, revenue was recorded at $1.8 billion, in the Asia-Pacific region - $1.5 billion. South America secured a contribution of about $0.5 billion, and the Middle East and Africa brought in $0.3 billion.

Market Research Future analysts believe that in the future the industry will show steady positive dynamics. The compound percentage CAGR is expected to be 4.79%. As a result, by 2035, the market volume will reach about $11 billion.^[1]

Notes