Updated 9/18/08
A Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) consortium of Mayo Clinic physicians, scientists and engineers developed a wireless sensor that can detect chemical activity in the brain. The new system, called a wireless instantaneous neurotransmitter concentration sensor (WINCS), is connected to an electrode that will be surgically implanted in the brain to provide real-time measurements of chemical levels (e.g., dopamine, serotonin, glutamate). The hope is that these measurements can help direct neurosurgeons in the optimal placement of the stimulating electrode during DBS, thereby improving outcomes for patients.
DBS is a neurosurgical treatment that stimulates the brain with mild electrical signals that reorganize the brain’s electrical and chemical activity. DBS causes improvements in symptoms in a number of conditions affecting the brain, including Parkinson’s disease, tremor, epilepsy, depression and chronic pain.
“Potential future implications for this technology are immense,” says Kendall Lee, M.D., Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon and director of the Mayo Clinic Neural Engineering laboratory. “WINCS may be part of a smart Deep Brain Stimulation device that is able to regulate neurotransmitter systems in the brain to better treat diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, depression, chronic pain and others.”
“This successful development is an excellent example of the value of applying research to provide better care for patients,” says Kevin Bennet, chair of the Mayo Clinic Division of Engineering. “And this can be accomplished through the close collaboration between physicians, scientists and engineers.”
To date, this system has been successfully used in animal trials. It has not yet been used in human studies.
This study was be presented at the American Academy of Neurological Surgery meeting in Sedona, Ariz., on Sept. 12, 2008.
Kevin Bennet provides an overview of the research.
I serve as caregiver to my great wife who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Two of her brothers died of it. I would be interested in any results of this or other study which may have applications for Alzheimer’s patients. We would consider participating in a study. We have confidence in local physicians but our insurance would cover an evaluation in your clinic. Thank you, Delton Johnson
Thanks for your comment, Mr. Johnson. We are passing your contact information along to appropriate staff who may be in touch about future research studies.
Hi,
what are results of studies about this technic in mental dissorders (depression, schizophrenia)?
Thanks,
Bye,
Thanks for your comment, Mr. Johnson.
Hi, I was woundering if this has been approved yet? and if so how many have you done? and the results? Thanks Gail
Gail – Thank you for your question. The system is still in the research stages.
Great article. Waiting for you to continue the topic.
Joan Kuree
escort warsaw
Our family is most interested in the latest results of the WINCS trials. We have a son with a major depressive disorder which has so far been treatment resistant. Has it ever been used on humans for to date? Thank you for any updates you can provide.