The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices for the treatment of Parkinson’s-related symptoms. In the U.S., three companies manufacture DBS devices: Abbott, Boston Scientific and Medtronic.
Each company has several different DBS options. Essentially, each device works the same way: a surgeon places thin metal wires into the areas of the brain that affect motor skills. These wires then deliver electrical impulses that help people who have significant “off” time when stiffness, slowness and tremor return, or who experience dyskinesia, which are uncontrolled movements.
Choosing a DBS Device
Your doctor will discuss with you which device is best for your needs, but here are some points to consider.
Battery Type
DBS devices have either rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries may need fewer replacements over your lifetime, but they require regular recharging. Non-rechargeable batteries last several years, at which point they need to be replaced.
How You’ll Interact with the Device
If you want a device that allows you to change settings yourself, within parameters set by your doctor, consider the user-friendliness of the personal programmer and your comfort with using it.
Your Clinician’s Experience and Recommendation
Your neurosurgeon and movement disorder specialist may be more familiar with placing or programming one device or may have more positive results with another.
DBS Research Studies
Some clinical trials are testing new DBS devices or models with different capabilities. If you are interested in participating in clinical trials for new devices, ask your doctor what DBS research options may be available to you.
Available DBS Devices
There are several DBS devices available. Talk with your doctor to determine which is the best one for you.
DBS Devices from Abbott
Abbott has two DBS devices: Infinity and Liberta RC.
Infinity has a non-rechargeable battery that lasts at least five years.
Liberta RC has a rechargeable battery that lasts 37 days on a full charge. This is the longest battery life of any available rechargeable DBS system. The battery is also the smallest of any system and has wireless charging.
Other than the different batteries, both operate the same. They can be programmed remotely by your doctor and operate with Apple iOS software and controllers.
DBS Devices from Boston Scientific
Boston Scientific’s Vercise became available for PD in Europe in 2012 and gained FDA approval in 2017. Vercise Genus R16 has a rechargeable battery that lasts 15 years. Vercise Genus P16 is non-rechargeable and lasts three to five years.
DBS Devices from Medtronic
Medtronic’s DBS was the first to be FDA approved for Parkinson’s, in 1997. There are two different Activa batteries that can be used — one rechargeable, the other non-rechargeable. Clinicians program using an Android tablet.
Medtronic Percept gained FDA approval in 2020. In 2025, the FDA approved an update to the device that made it the first adaptive, or self-adjusting, DBS system available for use. The Percept can adjust stimulation in response to brain signals, which allows for more even symptom control. This device has the option for a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery.
To learn more, download MJFF’s guide on Deep Brain Stimulation and Parkinson’s.