Find your ideal treatment option
At Boston Scientific, we offer Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) options designed to fit your lifestyle. Every system comes with our advanced technology and exceptional customer support. Partner with your care team to select the DBS System that best matches your needs.
A DBS system consists of two main components
The system includes surgically placed leads in the brain and a battery, also called an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG), that powers the system. The battery is typically placed under the skin near the collarbone and connects to the leads via extension wires.
The leads
Vercise™ Cartesia™ X and Vercise™ Cartesia™ HX Directional Leads
The first and only 16-contact directional leads. These leads offer the best in span, spacing and directionality.*
Why this matters: The longer directional span and tight spacing allow for more precise targeting of your neural structures, maximizing effectiveness while avoiding unwanted side effects.
The battery
Boston Scientific offers the broadest portfolio of batteries on the market.**
Whether you choose non-rechargeable or rechargeable, both types of batteries are designed to be thin and lightweight with smooth, gently rounded edges. This not only improves comfort but also helps to conceal signs of the implant.
Non-rechargeable
A maintenance-free option that requires surgical replacement when depleted.
Perfect for patients who prefer not to worry about regular charging.
Rechargeable
A smaller, longer-lasting device designed for at-home recharging on a weekly or monthly schedule.
Ideal for patients who are comfortable maintaining a charging routine.
Programming the system
Having the most advanced hardware is only part of the solution. What truly sets Boston Scientific apart is our unique and innovative approach to programming. Our proprietary programming technology brings the full potential of these systems, ensuring you receive the most precise and effective therapy possible.
How to charge your DBS system
If you have been implanted with a rechargeable device, you will need to recharge periodically. We make it easy to recharge your battery via a wireless charging system. Depending on your therapy settings, you will only need to recharge your battery once a week or once a month. When it is time to recharge your system simply place the lightweight, wireless charging collar over your shoulders and relax — you can do it in front of the TV or while reading a book. Your remote will indicate how much charge is left in your battery.1
Understanding battery replacement
Batteries do not last forever; they need to be replaced when they reach the end of their expected life cycle. Battery replacement isn’t complicated, but it requires an outpatient procedure. The leads in your brain remain intact; only the battery in your chest will be replaced.
Switch your DBS IPG to Boston Scientific
If you’re a DBS patient with a system from either Abbott or Medtronic and it’s time to replace your IPG (Implantable Pulse Generator that includes the battery), you may be able to switch to Boston Scientific IPG. Boston Scientific IPGs are compatible with many Abbott or Medtronic systems. IPG replacement is an outpatient procedure and only the IPG in your chest will be replaced – not the leads in your brain.
See what doctors are saying
Dr. Richard Bucholz, St. Louis University, talks about the importance of choosing the right battery.
The right time to think about DBS is before you need it
Take this short quiz and learn more. ⟶
References
1. Yu X. Steinke K, Mustakos R. Characterizing rechargeable IPG charge cycle time in DBS. Presented at: North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS 2013)
*Best is defined as the directional lead with the longest directional span and most directional levels Boston Scientific. (2024). Vercise™ Deep Brain Stimulation Systems Surgical Implant Manual. https://www.bostonscientific.com/content/dam/elabeling/nm/92328632-05B_DBS_Surgical_Implant_Manual_US_EN_s.pdf Medtronic. (2021). Medtronic Sensight™ Directional Lead Kit. https://www.medtronic.com/content/dam/emanuals/neuro/M982097A_a_013_view.pdf Abbott. (2021). Lead and Extensions Kits for Deep Brain Stimulation Systems. Clinician’s Manual. https://manuals.eifu.abbott/en/detail-screen.html
**The broadest portfolio in the industry is defined as offering the only 32-channel IPG available and a selection of 5 IPG devices, compared to 3 devices each from Medtronic and Abbott (as of March 2025) Abbott’s Neuromodulation for Movement Disorder. https://www.neuromodulation.abbott/us/en/healthcare-professionals/movement-disorders.html Medtronic’s Deep Brain Stimulation Systems. https://www.medtronic.com/me-en/healthcare-professionals/products/neurological/deep-brain-stimulation-systems.html
The Vercise Genus™ DBS System, Vercise Genus Mixed System with Vercise™ M8 Adapter, Vercise Genus Mixed System with Vercise™ Adapter S8, Vercise Gevia™ DBS System, and Vercise™ DBS Lead-only system (before Stimulator is implanted) provide safe access to full-body MRI scans when used with specific components and the patient is exposed to the MRI environment under specific conditions defined in the supplemental manual ImageReady™ MRI Guidelines for Boston Scientific DBS Systems. |
The Adapter S8 (for Abbott devices) is currently MR Unsafe. |