Northstar completes enrollment in study of cortical stimulation as treatment for stroke-related aphasia

By Lisa Kerner

Charlotte, N.C., June 26 - Northstar Neuroscience, Inc. said it has completed patient enrollment and randomization in its eight-patient feasibility study of cortical stimulation to treat stroke-related Broca's aphasia (non-fluent aphasia).

Cortical stimulation therapy delivers low levels of electricity to the outer layer of the brain through an implanted stimulator system. In addition to the postage stamp-sized electrode implanted in the brain, a pulse generator is implanted below the collarbone.

Patients assigned to the investigational group were implanted with the cortical lead and generator, and received cortical stimulation during intensive speech-language therapy.

Those in the control group only received intensive speech-language therapy.

"The Chestnut study is the first of its kind to investigate the use of an implantable cortical stimulation system with stroke-related aphasia patients," president and chief executive officer Alan Levy said in a company news release.

"We are pleased to have completed enrollment on schedule and we look forward to seeing the results of this important study."

Most of the 1 million cases of aphasia in the United States are the result of stroke, according to the National Aphasia Association. In addition to causing language impairment, aphasia can also affect the ability to read or write.

The feasibility study results will be presented at the American Congress of Rehabilitative Medicine / American Society of Neurorehabilitation Joint Educational Conference in Boston this fall.

Seattle-based Northstar develops medical devices for the treatment of neurological diseases and disorders.

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