The medtech giant says it’s the first and only company to win FDA approval to offer DBS surgery while a patient is asleep (under general anesthesia) or awake.
“Asleep DBS offers a safe, comfortable and less stressful experience for patients who are apprehensive about the surgery,” said Dr. Francisco Ponce, neurosurgeon and chief of stereotactic and functional neurosurgery at The Barrow Neurological Institute. “Whether performed asleep or awake, DBS is proven to reduce motor symptoms in movement disorders like Parkinson’s.”
According to a news release, studies demonstrated comparable improvement in certain motor symptoms for Parkinson’s patients whether having asleep DBS or awake DBS surgery. Other studies showed maintained patient safety and potential surgery efficiencies with asleep DBS. That includes a potentially shorter procedure time compared to awake DBS.
DBS uses a surgically implanted device like a cardiac pacemaker. Medtronic offers the Percept neurostimulators, which transmit electric signals via slender wires to specific brain targets affected by neurological disorders.
Percept offers sensing, directionality and advanced programming. The company’s DBS system with BrainSense technology captures and records brain signals. This provides valuable data and insights needed to tailor therapy to patients’ individual needs.
“This is a significant advancement in our surgical offering, providing another safe and effective option for patients considering DBS,” said Amaza Reitmeier, VP and GM, Brain Modulation within the Neuromodulation business at Medtronic. “This approval underscores our dedication to continuous innovation to address the needs of patients and healthcare providers.”
Medical Design & Outsourcing: Expect another big deep brain stimulation tech advance from Medtronic soon — Adaptive DBS
