Boston Scientific Begins Patient Enrollment in Clinical Trial Assessing Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease

NATICK, Mass., Nov. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) today announced the first implantation of its Vercise™ Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) System as part of the VANTAGE clinical trial.  VANTAGE is a multi-center, prospective trial designed to examine the improvement of motor function in approximately 40 European patients implanted with the Vercise DBS System for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

The Vercise Deep Brain Stimulation System is a neurostimulation device designed to deliver electrical signals to specific areas within the brain through individual lead contacts that allow a more tailored amount of current flow based on patient needs.

The first patient was implanted by a team at University Hospital Koln in Germany led by Prof. Lars Timmermann, M.D., Professor of Neurology and Co-Principal Investigator of the trial, and Mohammad Maarouf, M.D., Vice-Chairman of the Department of Stereotaxy and Functional Neurosurgery.  

"DBS has been available for many years as a treatment for Parkinson's disease, but I believe this new technology could provide a major step forward in this area of therapy," said Prof. Timmermann.  "I look forward to the results of this study with great interest."

"We are excited to begin implanting patients with this innovative device, which represents a more advanced, focused and adaptable form of DBS therapy," said Prof. Francois Alesch, M.D., Professor for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, Austria and Co-Principal Investigator of the trial.

"The Vercise System is the only DBS system that incorporates multiple, independent current control designed to enable greater 'customization' of the therapy," said Michael Onuscheck, Senior Vice President and President of Boston Scientific's Neuromodulation Division.  "The Company is excited to expand into a new area of stimulation therapy, demonstrating our continued commitment to investment in neuromodulation technology to improve patients' lives."

The Vercise Deep Brain Stimulation System is not available for sale.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects 2 million Europeans and 7 to 10 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization and the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.  

About Boston Scientific Neuromodulation

Boston Scientific Neuromodulation is an innovation leader in implantable pain management technology.  The Precision Plus™ Spinal Cord Stimulator System uses pulses of electricity delivered directly along nerve fibers through the spinal cord to mask pain signals to the brain.  Through its investments in technology, clinical science and world-class service, Boston Scientific Neuromodulation is committed to Making life smoother™ for physicians and patients.  For more information on Precision Plus technology, visit http://www.ControlYourPain.com.

About Boston Scientific

Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices whose products are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties.  For more information, please visit: www.bostonscientific.com.  

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SOURCE Boston Scientific Corporation