Enhanced Spatial Targeting in ECT Utilizing FEAST

NCT ID: NCT04099342

Last Updated: 2026-02-13

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: SUSPENDED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 20 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2022-06-01
• Study Completion Date: 2026-12-31

Brief Summary

The purpose of this research study is to find an alternative version of ECT that reduces the negative side effects (mainly memory loss) while still providing patients with relief from depressive symptoms. Previous forms of ECT may use Bilateral (electrodes on both sides of the head) or Right Unilateral (RUL) (electrodes on one side of the head). Our research focuses on adjusting the placement of electrodes on one side of the head in order to better stimulate the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) of the brain. By more specifically targeting the PFC, it is predicted that participants will receive the same benefit as ECT but will have fewer negative side effects after the treatment, mainly less memory loss. All other aspects of the treatment will be similar to regular, clinical ECT, including anesthesia and recovery monitoring. To accomplish this stimulation, an adjusted MECTA Spectrum 5000Q device will be used. If successful, this research study will demonstrate a way to improve ECT procedures for all patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder by minimizing side effects and maintaining or improving efficacy.

Detailed Description

Study Design: This study will focus on refining FEAST methods by implementing a fixed-current titration and dosing method (800mA; 0.3 ms), testing the optimal directionality of current flow, and confirming specificity of induction of seizures in right orbitofrontal cortex. Twenty patients in an episode of major depression will be enrolled in the initial open-label study. Patients are kept on current medications for at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of therapy and throughout the treatment course. Patients are allowed PRN lorazepam limited to 3 mg/d but not within 10 hours of a FEAST session. Patients will undergo routine clinical care pre-ECT evaluations which include chemistry laboratory tests and an EKG. Patients will also undergo a brain MRI needed for 3D finite element modeling (FEM) to compute individual electric fields for each participant enrolled as well as an optional follow up MRI after treatment.

Once treatment is initiated, patients receive a dose 6 times initial Seizure Threshold (ST) at all treatments except the first and second, where ST is determined. If insufficient improvement (<40% change from baseline Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, HRSD-24 item, or IDS-SR) after six treatments, the dose will increase by 50% in charge (9 times initial ST). Patients will undergo 6 channel EEG during all treatments. Participants will be randomized to FEAST (with typical electrodes placement and current flow directionality configurations) or Reverse Polarity FEAST to allow a direct comparison of induced seizure focality.

The primary measure right frontal to motor connectivity (seizure drive) and time for orientation recovery obtained following these sessions will permit direct comparison between normal configuration and RP FEAST as well. Preliminary data generated by the investigators suggest that RP polarity FEAST will elicit the most focal seizure with the shortest time for reorientation and fewest amnestic side effects.

Study Procedures:

A baseline appointment, scheduled at the Treatment Resistant Depression Clinic in Saint Louis Park, will be initially scheduled with potential participants to complete the informed consent process as well as baseline assessments for cognition, mood and quality of life. Participants will also undergo a baseline MRI that will consist of individual T1- and T2-weighted MRI scans which will be acquired with isotropic voxel resolution of 0.8 mm through resources located in the MIDB building. These structural data will be processed in the SimNIBS software to create a 3D volume conductor model of the subject's head. These MRI images will be constructed into 3D FEM models to compute non-invasive brain stimulation and electric fields for each participant enrolled.

All FEAST clinical procedures performed through Fairview will be documented in EPIC and duplicated in the research team's RedCap database for later analysis. Treatments are given in the morning, 3 times per week. Pharmacological agents are standardized: atropine (0.4 mg IV), methohexital (0.75 mg/kg) and succinylcholine (0.75-1.0 mg/kg). [If methohexital is unavailable, thiopental will be substituted (2.0 mg/kg]. Patients are oxygenated by mask (100% O2) prior to anesthesia and until resumption of spontaneous respiration. Standardized procedures are used to reduce impedance at ECT and EEG electrode sites. The d'Elia unilateral placement is used for conventional RUL ECT. FEAST will involve the 1.25" circular anterior electrode being centered at the measured FP2 position by the 10/20 EEG system, with the posterior cathode electrode (1"x2.5") tangential to the mid-sagittal plain and centered at vertex. FEAST is delivered with a modified MECTA Spectrum 5000Q relative to the commercial device with the capacity for unidirectional stimulation.

Follow up appointments after the 6th and 12th FEAST treatments (each within 1-2 days), as well as after the 15th session, if applicable, will also be conducted. They will include assessments of cognition, mood and quality of life. An optional follow up MRI may also be conducted.

Conditions

Treatment Resistant Depression

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: SINGLE

Study Groups

A: FEAST

Focally Electrically-administered Seizure Therapy (FEAST) is a form of Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) that combines unidirectional stimulation, control of polarity, and an asymmetrical electrode configuration.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

FEAST

Intervention Type: DEVICE

FEAST with standard electrode configuration and current flow

FEAST RP

Intervention Type: DEVICE

FEAST with standard electrode configuration and reversed current flow

B: RP FEAST

Focally Electrically-administered Seizure Therapy (FEAST) with Reversed Polarity (RP) utilizes the same electrode placement as FEAST but a reversed directionality of current flow.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

FEAST

Intervention Type: DEVICE

FEAST with standard electrode configuration and current flow

FEAST RP

Intervention Type: DEVICE

FEAST with standard electrode configuration and reversed current flow

Interventions

FEAST

FEAST with standard electrode configuration and current flow

Intervention Type: DEVICE

FEAST RP

FEAST with standard electrode configuration and reversed current flow

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Diagnosis of major depressive disorder using MINI-7 to derive RDC; DSM-IV
• Pretreatment HRSD score greater than or equal to 18
• ECT indicated by physician evaluation
• Willing and capable of providing informed consent as determined by physician evaluation

Exclusion Criteria

• History of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, other functional psychosis, or rapid cycling bipolar disorder as determined by MINI-7; rapid cycling defined as greater than or equal to four episodes in past year
• History of neurological illness or insult other than conditions associated with psychotropic exposure (e.g., tardive dyskinesia) determined by physician evaluation and medical history
• Alcohol or substance abuse or dependence in the past year (RDC) determined by physician evaluation
• Secondary diagnosis of a delirium, dementia, or amnestic disorder (DSM-IV), pregnancy, or epilepsy determined by physician evaluation
• Requires especially rapid antidepressant response due to suicidality, psychosis, inanition, psychosocial obligations, etc. determined by physician evaluation
• ECT in the past six months determined by physician evaluation and medical history
• Pregnancy as determined by urine pregnancy test and clinical interview

• Minimum Eligible Age: 22 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 90 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

University of Minnesota

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

Ziad Nahas, MD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

University of Minnesota

Locations

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Countries

United States

Other Identifiers

PSYCH-2019-27591

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id