An established method means that it can be applied outside of clinical trials, i.e. that it is possible to carry out in the same way that DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) surgery is possible today. This presupposes that the various clinical trial phases – Phases 1 to 3 – all demonstrate that it is a safe method, and that the benefits are sufficient to make it reasonable to recommend such a surgical procedure. Further studies and research are required to meet these requirements. If everything goes according to plan and no unexpected obstacles arise to throw a spanner in the works, it might possibly be used as a routine method for some patients in 5–6 years’ time at the earliest.
