Posted by Sunnely on July 29, 2000, at 22:11:43
In reply to Pacemaker for Depression Article, posted by Sara T on July 29, 2000, at 13:20:15
> Twenty centers will participate in this study, which is sponsored by Cyberonics, maker of the NeuroCybernetic Prosthesis System.
Hi Sara,Thanks for the excellent info on this subject. Please allow me to add my 2 cents.
A double-blind, randomized, controlled study of the effectiveness of VNS (vagus nerve stimulation) for treatment-resistant depression, involving 20 centers is planned for this summer. The hope is that 200 or more people will be enrolled in this pivotal study. Persons suffering from possible treatment-resistant depression interested in joining the study will have to be referred by their physicians to Cyberonics. The telephone number is (888) 748-1657.
With regard to cost, it was estimated the cost for the equipment as $9200 per patient and the total cost, including implantation, varies between $12,000 and $25,000. Most federal and private insurance companies provide reimbursement for VNS in refractory epilepsy. Comparison costs are an estimated $1000 per year for an antidepressant medication or $10,000 to $30,000 for an acute course of ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) followed by 1 year of maintenance ECT.
Until trials are completed, compassionate use of VNS appears justified in persons with the most severe, chronic, and treatment-resistant depression.
poster:Sunnely
thread:41670
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000729/msgs/41700.html