Deep brain stimulation: Challenges at the tissue-electrode interface and current solutions

Biotechnol Prog. 2021 Sep;37(5):e3179. doi: 10.1002/btpr.3179. Epub 2021 Jun 8.

Abstract

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used to treat the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease patients by stimulating the subthalamic nucleus. However, optimization of DBS is still needed since the performance of the neural electrodes is limited by the body's response to the implant. This review discusses the issues with DBS, such as placement of electrodes, foreign body response, and electrode degradation. The current solutions to these technical issues include modifications to electrode material, coatings, and geometry.

Keywords: Parkinson's disease; electrode coatings; electrode materials; inflammatory response; neural electrodes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible / adverse effects
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible / chemistry
  • Deep Brain Stimulation* / adverse effects
  • Deep Brain Stimulation* / instrumentation
  • Deep Brain Stimulation* / methods
  • Electrodes / adverse effects
  • Foreign-Body Reaction
  • Humans
  • Neuroinflammatory Diseases
  • Parkinson Disease / therapy
  • Subthalamic Nucleus / physiology

Substances

  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible