Prefrontal Cortical Stimulation (PCS) for Severe Treatment Resistant Depression
University of Minnesota
Summary
This research study is designed to test if electrical stimulation of the surface of the brain in the frontal region will help treat depressive symptoms. Participants receive intermittent electrical stimulation to the brain, which involves surgically placing electric leads in between the tough fibrous membrane covering the surface of the brain and the surface of the brain itself. This type of stimulation is referred to as bilateral subdural prefrontal cortical stimulation (PCS) because it will specifically target the outer layer of the brain at the midline, right behind the forehead. It uses a pacemaker-like device, the Proclaim Elite SCS System (non-rechargeable) or the Eterna SCS System (rechargeable), both by Abbott Laboratories for stimulation. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Proclaim Elite SCS system for brain stimulation for patients with chronic pain and muscular diseases, such as Parkinson's, its use is still investigational, and the surgery is still experimental for patients who have depression.
Description
This study has five distinct stages. Stage 1: Baseline Assessments There is a 14-day baseline period to determine eligibility, including medical history, physical and neurological examinations, and medical test including EKG, blood work, pregnancy test, depression assessments and cognitive assessments. An MRI will also be done prior to implant in order to help the surgeon determine where best to place the leads. Stage 2: Surgery If deemed to be medically eligible, participants will be hospitalized for a minimum of 3 days, during which they will undergo surgery to implant the device and leads…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 22–70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Participant must be able to provide written informed consent. * Participant has a diagnosis of chronic (greater than or equal to 2 years) depressive episode as defined by DSM V criteria * Participant has not had an adequate response to four or more adequate antidepressant treatments from at least two different antidepressant treatment categories in the current depressive episode according to the Antidepressant Treatment History Form (ATHF) * Participant must have had ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) or refused to undergo ECT if clinically indicated to them * Participant m…
Interventions
- DevicePrefrontal Cortical Stimulation (PCS)
Prior to surgery, subjects will undergo a high resolution structural scan to identify anatomical landmarks for rostral anterior and lateral prefrontal cortex. Following identification of target areas, PCS quad leads will be projected over the anterior and lateral prefrontal cortex. Subjects will be kept in the hospital for a minimum of 72 hours for observation during which the investigators will obtain a high resolution spiral CT scan without contrast to confirm lead placements post-operatively and rule out any intra-cranial bleeds. Patients will receive analgesics which they may continue as an outpatient on as needed basis. During this 2-3 weeks recovery period, the attention to pain control and mood is critical. The research team will contact patients at least twice per week to check on their status.
Location
- University of MinnesotaMinneapolis, Minnesota