Deep Brain Stimulation in China: Present and Future

Objective: We reviewed the clinical applications, academic communications, and specialized training required for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in China. Current problems and possible solutions also were discussed. Materials and Methods: We reviewed all literature on DBS by Chinese authors. The WANFANG and PUBMED (20002009) data bases were searched to collect publications on DBS by Chinese authors. To compare the Chinese academic publications on DBS with those by American authors, data from publications by American authors also were collected. Information on the DBS population as categorized by year, by province, and by indication was collected from the Medtronic Neuromodulation data base. Results: From 2000 to 2009, there were 187 publications on DBS in Chinese journals and 23 in English journals by Chinese authors. American peers contributed 569 articles during the same period. In total, 2082 patients received DBS treatment in China by the end of 2009. Conclusions: DBS has evolved significantly during the past decade in China. There are still several problems. The advent of Chinese homemade DBS hardware, multidisciplinary cooperation, and the establishment of guidelines and regulations for DBS will improve the application of this surgical treatment in China.