Rehab tech firm Medtronic has received US FDA approval for its latest deep brain stimulation product.
Its rechargeable neurostimulator, part of the Percept RC Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) system, has potential applications for a range of neurological conditions.
The Percept range is reportedly “the only sensing-enabled DBS system on the market”, allowing the physician to personalise treatment for patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia as well as epilepsy.
Amaza Reitmeier, vice president and general manager, brain modulation within the Neuromodulation business, which is part of the neuroscience portfolio at Medtronic, said: “Our DBS therapy with exclusive BrainSense technology can help control debilitating tremors for people living with Parkinson’s, providing patients with the ability to physically engage in everyday moments – something many of us unintentionally take for granted.
“We are transforming brain modulation through sensing-enabled DBS and will continue to drive therapy innovation with the goal of many more peoples’ lives improved with Medtronic DBS therapy.”
DBS uses a surgically implanted medical device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker.
Medtronic’s Percept neurostimulators transmit electrical signals via slender wires to specific brain targets affected by debilitating neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
Percept RC’s “BrainSense” technology captures and records brain signals to provide insights that enable a healthcare provider to adapt and personalise therapy to a patient’s changing needs.
According to Medtronic, nearly 70 per cent of all DBS-eligible patients are estimated to require an MRI as part of their essential care.
Medtronic was the first in the United States to offer full-body MR Conditional DBS systems for patients to have safe scans anywhere on the body under specific conditions.
Percept RC is available immediately throughout the U.S., as well as via CE Mark approval in Europe and availability in Japan.
Medtronic is headquartered in Dublin and has technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions.
