Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
Deep brain stimulation, or DBS , is an invasive approach to treating major depresion that has not been successfully treated in other ways. Electricity is used to stimulated parts of the brain involved in the depression, leading to a reduction in symptoms.
Twin electrodes are inserted through small openings in the skull and implanted deep within the brain. Each electrode is connected to a thin, insulated wire threaded under the skin from the top of the skull to the chest. The wire leads to a battery-operated pulse generator, which is implanted under the skin just below the collarbone.
Doctors program impulses that interfere with electrical signals that cause depression. The electrodes and pulse generator are left in place and, after the surgery, the patient controls the stimulation using a hand-held magnet.