Northstar to test cortical stimulation system for treatment-resistant depression

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., Aug. 3 - Northstar Neuroscience, Inc. announced that the Food and Drug Administration has granted approval for the company to conduct a clinical feasibility study of its cortical stimulation therapy system for the treatment of depression.

The study will assess the safety and effectiveness of investigational cortical stimulation for patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder who are not responsive to other antidepressant treatments.

Cortical stimulation therapy refers to the precise delivery of low levels of electricity to the cortex (the outer layer of the brain) via an implanted stimulator system, according to a news release.

The cortex controls or influences many neurological functions and is easier to access than deeper brain structures.

Cortical stimulation involves a procedure to place a small electrode over the tough membrane that protects the cortex. The flexible electrode, which is about the size of a postage stamp, is then connected via a lead wire to a pulse generator implanted just below the patient's collarbone.

This is the first study of an implantable cortical stimulation device in depression patients. Up to 12 patients will be studied at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania.

Northstar is a medical device company based in Seattle.

© 2015 Prospect News.
All content on this website is protected by copyright law in the U.S. and elsewhere. For the use of the person downloading only.
Redistribution and copying are prohibited by law without written permission in advance from Prospect News.
Redistribution or copying includes e-mailing, printing multiple copies or any other form of reproduction.