§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the policy of the NHS is on providing operations to implant Activa brain stimulators; and how many such operations have been performed, and where, in the last 12 months. [53292]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 29 April 2002]: Trials are underway to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of deep brain stimulation. The trials commenced in 2001 and will run for five years. In the 12 months to April 2002 there were 165 implants of Activa brain stimulators. However, approximately 10 per cent of these were replacement batteries. The hospitals where the operations were performed are as follows:
Charing Cross, London
King's College, London
Royal, London
Ninewells, Dundee
Frenchay, Bristol
General, Newcastle
Queen Elizabeth, Birmingham
Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford
Walton Centre for Neurology and Neuorosurgery, Liverpool
General Infirmary, Leeds
Hope, Manchester
Source:
Medtronic Limited, Watford, England. Activa stimulators are made by Medtronic.