TES transcranial electrical stimulator ECT

magnetic

The next advance in ECT clinical research. Application-specific (focal or widespread) targeting. Easy and direct integration with EEG. Soterix Medical introduced the High Definition-transcranial Electrical Stimulation (HD-tES) approach in 2008 as the first transcranial system capable of delivering optimized neuromodulation. The High Definition (HD) approach uses smaller-size electrodes that enable positioning them in arrays, thereby controlling targeting of brain regions (focal or widespread) in an application-specific manner. Conventional Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is delivered via two large scalp electrodes that limit electrode placement options. While historically it was considered that a generalized seizure was needed for efficacy, approaches that result in a more restricted current flow such as right unilateral (RUL) electrode placement, focal electrically administered seizure therapy (FEAST), and magnetic seizure therapy (MST) have shown less cognitive risk with comparable efficacy. Since the cognitive side effects are thought to be related to stimulation of “non-target” regions (or brain structures not implicated in Depression), continuing to develop optimized targeting approaches presents an opportunity to further optimize risk/benefit profile, and thereby potentially lifting the stigma long associated with ECT practice. Extending the HD approach to ECT or HD-ECT is therefore intended to spur a new wave of clinical research and eventually enable safer and more efficacious ECT treatment procedures.