Brain pacemaker tested for untreatable depression
NCT ID NCT02046330
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help people with severe depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. Sixteen adults aged 22 to 70 will have electrodes implanted in a brain region called the medial forebrain bundle. The device delivers mild electrical pulses to try to improve mood and reduce symptoms.
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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UT Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders
Houston, Texas, 77054, United States
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Deep brain stimulation device (Medtronic Percept PC system with Model 3387/3389 leads)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a new option for people with severe depression that hasn't responded to other treatments.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early pilot study with only 16 people. It may not show clear benefit, and brain surgery carries risks like infection or bleeding.
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.