Posted by shar on July 29, 2000, at 22:17:34
In reply to Re: Pacemaker for Depression Article - Addendum, posted by Sunnely on July 29, 2000, at 22:11:43
I assume participants will not be taking meds (ADs)?
Shar
> > 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:shar
thread:41670
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000729/msgs/41702.html