OBJECTIVES: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is considered a standard treatment option for patients with Parkinson’s disease who are responsive to drug therapies yet exhibit motor complications. In April 2016, Japan conducted a pilot cost-effectiveness evaluation for DBS, in line with methodological guidelines defined for cost-effectiveness analyses (CEA) by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). Three DBS devices were considered in the evaluation including Vercise DBS system (rechargeable, Boston Scientific Corporation). METHODS: Clinical evidence for the CEA evaluation was obtained from a systematic literature review (SLR). Activa SC (non-rechargeable, Medtronic) was set as a comparator. As equivalence of efficacy was suggested by the SLR between the treatment and comparator DBS systems, a cost-minimization analysis (CMA) was conducted from the perspective of the public healthcare payer. Hospitalization costs were calculated using the commercial database (Medical Data Vision Co Ltd.). Follow-up costs and treatment costs for implant-site infections were estimated based on expert opinions. Battery replacement costs after implantation were also included depending on the battery life of each product. The time horizon and discount rate were set as 10 years and 2% per year, respectively. RESULTS: Total estimated costs for DBS treatment by Vercise and Activa SC were JPY 5,370,928 and JPY 8,552,772, respectively. Cost reduction of JPY 3,181,844 per patient was expected when treated by Vercise. When a time horizon for 20 years was assumed, a cost reduction of JPY 8,030,314 by Vercise was expected. The robustness of the results was determined by sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study that evaluated the cost-effectiveness of Vercise DBS system in Japan. The results suggested that Vercise was cost-saving compared with Activa SC. Significant patient benefit is also expected because Vercise is both rechargeable and has a longer lasting battery, and therefore reduces the total number of replacements per patient.