Article

Brain Implant for Parkinson's Disease Approved

Author(s):

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for the Brio Neurostimulation System– the second brain implant stimulation device to aid in the reduction of Parkinson's disease symptoms and essential tremor.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for the Brio Neurostimulation System— the second brain implant stimulation device to aid in the reduction of Parkinson’s disease symptoms and essential tremor.

The Brio Neurostimulation System, manufactured by St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, was found to be an effective alternative treatment when medication alone couldn’t successfully manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

The actual system is comprised of a 1.9in x 2.1in x 0.4in battery-powered, rechargeable electrical pulse generator. It is implanted beneath the upper chest with wire leads that attach to electrodes at specific locations within the brain.

To test the safety and efficacy of the system, researchers conducted 2 clinical studies — one with 136 Parkinson’s disease patients and the second with 127 patients with essential tremor.

For the Parkinson’s disease patients, the system was used in conjunction with standard medication. However, the essential tremor patients were capable of managing their symptoms using only the system.

Both groups exhibited tremendous improvement when the Brio Neurostimulation System was added tot heir treatment regimen.

Serious adverse events reported were intracranial bleeding, potentially leading to stroke, paralysis, or death.

William Maisel, MD, MPH, acting director of the Office of Device Evaluation at the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, commented, “This new device adds to the array of treatment options to help people living with Parkinson’s and essential tremor enjoy better, more productive lives.”

Related Videos
AMG0001 Advances Healing in CLTI with David G. Armstrong, DPM, PhD, and Michael S. Conte, MD | Image Credit: Canva
How to Adequately Screen for and Treat Cognitive Decline in Primary Care
James R. Kilgore, DMSc, PhD, PA-C: Cognitive Decline Diagnostics
Stephanie Nahas, MD, MSEd | Credit: Jefferson Health
Guillaume Lassailly: How Do We Value Bariatric Surgery in 2023?
Guillaume Lassailly: The Role of MASH, Fibrosis in Bariatric Surgery Survival
Taha Qazi, MD: Evolving Bariatric Surgery Value in GI
John Harsh, PhD: Exploring Once-Nightly Sodium Oxybate Therapy for Narcolepsy
John Harsh, PhD
© 2024 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.