Activa RC and Activa PC are the next generation devices added to Medtronic's DBS therapy portfolio. The Activa RC and Activa PC offers innovative new programming tools, smaller size neuro stimulators and a rechargeable neuro stimulator lasting up to nine (9) years between battery replacement surgery. The new patient programmer will enable patients the freedom to choose different programs to suit their diverse activities. As a result, patients suffering from involuntary movements caused by conditions like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and primary dystonia can now have more control of disabling motor symptoms. Patients are able to adjust their therapy within the parameters chosen by their physician, allowing increased movement control. Patients will also benefit from greater comfort because the new devices are up to 50 percent smaller in size than previous versions.
"The new DBS device allows patients to recharge the batteries of their device without the need of a surgical intervention. This new system is likely to have a significant beneficial impact on patients that require high levels of energy to control their symptoms," said Dr. Mendez. "These types of technological advances improve our ability to treat our patients and provide them with longer and sustained relief."
About DBS
Through mild electrical stimulation, DBS therapy blocks signals within the brain that are responsible for debilitating motor symptoms, such as stiffness, slowness of movement and shaking. These electrical pulses are delivered through the extension and lead to symptom-specific brain areas called globus pallidus internus (GPi), subthalamic nucleus (STN) or ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus (Vim).
With Activa RC, patients can recharge their stimulator in the comfort of their home with a wearable charging system that connects to the neuro stimulator, ensuring maximum recharging while the patient goes about their daily activities, and use a patient programmer to monitor when the battery requires charging.
For the first time these devices also store records related to the benefits or side effects associated with various programming parameters which will allow programming to be easily and carefully optimized over time based on individual patient response.
About Medtronic
Medtronic, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. For More information, Visit, http://www.medtronic.com
About Medtronic of Canada Ltd.
Medtronic of Canada sells, services, and distributes Medtronic products in Canada: medical devices used in cardiovascular medicine, diabetes, spinal and neurosurgery, and ear, nose and throat surgery. Medtronic of Canada employs over 420 Canadians, it is headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, has an Operations Centre in Mississauga and regional offices in Vancouver and Montreal and an atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation catheter manufacturing facility – Medtronic CryoCath – in the Montreal metropolitan area.