Marshall University and Intermed Labs Launch DBS Lead Lock Initiative to Enhance Neurosurgical Precision

Marshall University and Intermed Labs develop DBS Lead Lock, a new neurosurgical tool designed to improve lead stability and precision in brain surgery.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 14, 2026, 6:24 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Addressing Precision Vulnerabilities in Functional Neurosurgery

The technical demands of deep brain stimulation (DBS) require surgeons to place electrical leads into the brain with microscopic accuracy to treat Parkinson’s disease and essential tremors. However, even minor disruptions during the fixation process can compromise the final positioning of these leads. To address this, Marshall University and Marshall Health Network have partnered with Intermed Labs to develop a dedicated solution under the working name "DBS Lead Lock." This initiative focuses on the hypothesis that rethinking how leads are secured can provide a more stable environment during the transition from placement to permanent fixation, thereby protecting the integrity of the surgical target.

Clinician Driven Design Born in the Operating Room

The conceptual foundation for this innovation originated from the frontline clinical observations of Dr. Heather Pinckard-Dover, an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery. Having identified recurring limitations in current fixation methods during active procedures, Dr. Pinckard-Dover sought to create a tool that specifically caters to the surgeon's need for efficiency without sacrificing safety. According to Dr. Pinckard-Dover, the smallest mechanical shift can impact clinical outcomes, and the project was born from a desire to eliminate these variables through a more intuitive locking mechanism that streamlines the entire operative workflow.

The Role of Advanced Manufacturing in Prototype Development

The transition from a clinical concept to a physical medical device is being facilitated through a strategic collaboration with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC). This partnership allows the engineering team to produce initial builds and functional prototypes that can be rigorously evaluated against the original clinical requirements. By combining the technical capabilities of the MAMC with the entrepreneurial expertise of Intermed Labs, the initiative ensures that the design is not only medically effective but also scalable for future commercialization within the broader healthcare market.