Conflicts of interest in deep brain stimulation research and the ethics of transparency.
In this article we will draw on experiences from our own research on deep brain stimulation of the central thalamus in the minimally conscious state. We describe ethical challenges faced in clinical research involving medical devices and offer several cautionary notes about its funding and the interplay of market forces and scientific inquiry and suggest some reforms.
Fins
Joseph J
JJ
Division of Medical Ethics, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Ithaca, NewYork, USA. jjfins@med.cornell.edu
Schiff
Nicholas D
ND
D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000941:ethics; D016265:Conflict of Interest; D046690:Deep Brain Stimulation / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004864:Equipment and Supplies / Q000191:economics* / Q000941:ethics; D032984:Ethics, Research; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships / Q000941:ethics; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry / Q000941:ethics; D018973:Intellectual Property; D009493:Neurosurgery / Q000941:ethics*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000941:ethics; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000941:ethics*; D012109:Research Support as Topic / Q000941:ethics*; D014481:United States