Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Minimal Electrophysiology and Imaging Enhanced Deep Brain Stimulation

This study aims to find out if a new, simpler way of performing Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery for Parkinson's disease is as good as, or even better than, the standard method. DBS is a treatment where small devices are placed in the brain to help control Parkinson's symptoms. Usually, surgeons use special recordings called electrophysiology during the operation to help place these devices perfectly. This can make the surgery longer and slightly riskier. Researchers are testing a new approach that uses less of these recordings and relies more on advanced imaging to guide the surgeon. They want to see if this new method can make the surgery quicker, safer, and just as effective for patients. They will compare patients who have the new streamlined surgery with those who had the standard procedure in the past, checking if the accuracy, recovery, and overall results are better.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Enrolment target

Start

01 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2028

Parkinson Disease

What is this study about?

This research study is all about improving a treatment called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for people living with Parkinson's disease. DBS involves a small operation where tiny wires (electrodes) are carefully placed in specific areas of the brain to help manage symptoms. Getting these wires in exactly the right spot is super important for the treatment to work well.

Currently, during DBS surgery, doctors often use special tests that involve listening to signals from the brain (electrophysiology) to make sure the wires are in the perfect position. While helpful, these tests can sometimes make the surgery longer and involve more steps. This study is exploring a new, more streamlined way of doing the surgery that uses less of these tests and relies more on modern scanning techniques, like advanced MRI scans, to guide the surgeon. The main goal is to find out if this new method is just as accurate, less invasive, and could lead to even better results for patients.

The researchers will be comparing the experience and outcomes of patients undergoing this new, streamlined surgery with information from patients who had the standard DBS surgery in the past. They'll be looking carefully at how accurate the wire placement is, how well patients recover, and how effective the treatment is overall with the new approach. If successful, this could mean simpler and potentially safer DBS surgery for future patients.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates a simpler way to perform DBS surgery.
It aims to reduce invasiveness and improve efficiency for Parkinson's patients.
Compares a new streamlined method with previous standard procedures.
Focuses on using less brain signal testing and more imaging during surgery.
Could lead to a quicker and potentially safer DBS procedure.
Participation involves the usual DBS work-up, with changes only during surgery.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you must have Parkinson's disease and your doctor must have decided that Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a suitable treatment option for you. You also need to be able to understand the study details and agree to take part by giving your informed consent.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. If you haven't agreed to take part, or if you have any medical devices (like certain pacemakers or metal implants) that make it unsafe for you to have an MRI scan, you wouldn't be able to participate. This is because MRI scans are an important part of the study's approach.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have Parkinson's disease?
Has your doctor said DBS might be a good treatment for you?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part in the study?
Do you have any medical devices that would stop you from having an MRI scan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will go through the standard steps for preparing for DBS surgery and for your follow-up appointments after the surgery, just like any other patient having DBS. The main difference will be during the surgery itself. Instead of the usual extensive brain signal testing (electrophysiology), the surgeons will use a simpler, more streamlined approach during the operation. This means fewer instances of inserting test electrodes into the brain, aiming to make the procedure quicker and potentially less invasive. Your doctors will explain all the details of your specific surgical plan.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of a potentially quicker and less invasive DBS surgery, as the new method aims to reduce the time and steps involved in the operating room. However, as with any surgery, there are always risks, such as infection, bleeding, or issues with device placement, although the study aims to reduce some of these. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Queen Elizabeth Health Science Centre
Verified postcode
Halifax, Canada

Common questions

What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?

DBS is a treatment for Parkinson's disease where small wires are placed in the brain to help control symptoms using electrical pulses.

What is 'electrophysiology' in this study?

It's a way doctors listen to brain signals during surgery to help place the DBS wires perfectly. This study is looking at doing less of this.

Will my surgery be different if I join this study?

The main difference will be that during your surgery, doctors will use fewer brain signal tests than usual, relying more on advanced scans.

Is this new method safe?

The study aims to see if this new method is just as safe and effective as the current standard, and potentially even safer by being less invasive.

Can I still have DBS if I don't join the study?

Yes, your doctor will discuss all your treatment options, whether or not you decide to participate in this research.

How to find out more

Lutz Weise, MD, PhD

lutz.weise@nshealth.ca 902-473-6850 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.