Marshall University and Marshall Health Network, together with Intermed Labs, announced on March 12 the launch of a new initiative to develop technology aimed at improving deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures. The project, called DBS Lead Lock, is currently in the prototype phase and represents a joint effort to enhance precision and safety during neurosurgical operations.
The development of this device was led by Heather Pinckard-Dover, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Marshall Health Network and Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Pinckard-Dover drew from her experience performing DBS surgeries to identify ways to better secure electrical leads during these complex procedures.
Deep brain stimulation is used to treat neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. The procedure involves placing thin electrical leads into specific areas of the brain with high accuracy. While current systems help stabilize these leads, ongoing research seeks further improvements in surgical precision and workflow efficiency.
The DBS Lead Lock project is being developed in partnership with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center. This collaboration combines clinical knowledge, engineering skills, and commercialization strategies to address challenges faced by surgeons in real-world settings.
Ashok Aggarwal, co-founder of Intermed Labs, said, "This project reflects exactly how innovation should happen, starting with a clinician who sees a problem firsthand and building around that insight. By partnering with Marshall Health Network and leveraging the capabilities of MAMC, we are creating a pathway to thoughtfully develop and evaluate a solution while protecting the integrity of the clinical concept."
Brad D. Smith, president of Marshall University, said, "Marshall University is proud to support collaborations that bridge clinical expertise with advanced manufacturing and entrepreneurial development. This partnership demonstrates how our institutions can work together to transform ideas born in the operating room into technologies that have the potential to improve care far beyond our region."
The partners say this initiative highlights their commitment to advancing surgical innovation through research and strategic investment. Further updates on the project's progress will be provided as development continues.
