Connected devices can help us in all walks of life—and one place in particular is healthcare, which is seeing new technology help patients. Case in point: a deep brain stimulation device with a 15-year battery life allows more continual treatment of patients with movement disorders.
Let’s take a step back first. Deep brain stimulation is the placement of electrodes in the brain connected to a battery-operated generator. This is like one that is put in the chest that is a cardiac pacemaker. The impulse of electricity can stimulate a specific area of the brain.
Here is how this can help:
- Relieve some symptoms and side effects for those with Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, epilepsy, and essential tremor conditions.
- Extended battery lifespan means patients will need fewer battery replacement procedures, which reduces the risk of developing complications associated with these procedures.
- Sense and record symptoms for longer, which provide data to customize treatment plans.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is one of the first to implant such a device with a 15-year battery life. The key feature here is the longevity of 15 years. Previously these types of devices required replacement every three to four years.
The U.S. Food and Drug Admin., approved the device on January 8 and on January 18 the device was implanted in a 38-year-old patient with dystonia, which is painful, prolonged muscle contractions that result in abnormal movements and postures. Five days after surgery, the doctor activated the device at the clinic. The patient experienced immediate relief of symptoms of about 50%.
Looking to the future, as battery life continues to improve, there will be more opportunities to address long-term care for patients, helping them to live a more comfortable life.