Medtronic Launches New Activa™ Patient Programmer for DBS Therapy
October 30 2019 - 02:00PM
Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) today announced the U.S. launch of its
advanced Patient Programmer technology for Deep Brain Stimulation
(DBS) therapy at the Samsung Developers Conference in San Jose,
Calif. The new programmer – which received U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) approval on July 3, 2019 – leverages a
user-friendly, custom-configured Samsung mobile device which allows
patients to manage their therapy more simply and discreetly. To
date, more than 150,000 patients have been implanted with Medtronic
DBS devices for management of Parkinson’s symptoms and other
conditions.
“It is important for patients to have access to
advanced technology for user-friendly therapy management at home,”
says Sandeep Thakkar, D.O., neurologist and movement disorder
specialist at Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute. “The
new Medtronic DBS Activa™ Patient Programmer device is an
innovative tool that combines familiar consumer technology with
medical devices, which facilitates better control for patients in
an easier, more accessible way.“
The Patient Programmer leverages Samsung Knox
security technology to help protect the device and patient. The
Patient Programmer consists of two components — a programmer
handset and a communicator, designed to help patients get the most
from their DBS therapy. The programmer utilizes a Samsung
smartphone, with a customized, intuitive user interface, on a large
5-inch color touchscreen. The network-connected smartphone and
system design lays the foundation for patient data to be shared
directly with clinical staff. Clinicians can also define settings
and coordinate directly with their patients to adjust DBS
therapy settings between clinic visits.
The communicator is a separate device that
synchronizes with the implanted device and provides a secure
connection to the programmer handset. When patients want to adjust
physician-prescribed therapy settings, turn therapy on or off, or
check the neurostimulator’s battery, they simply hold the
communicator over the implanted device and make desired changes
using the programmer.
“Medtronic’s DBS therapy managed via Samsung
devices offers users a blend of safety and control of their data,
while also offering elegance and simplicity of use,” said Taher
Behbehani, head of the Mobile B2B Division, Samsung Electronics
America. “It’s through our open yet secure mobility platform that
we can offer this level of customization on our market-leading
devices, and why the world’s leading companies like Medtronic
choose to work with us.”
“Medtronic has been the leader in DBS therapy for
over 25 years. This launch continues to serve as further
evidence of our dedication to our DBS patients allowing them to
experience an altogether smarter therapeutic journey,”
said Mike Daly, vice president and general manager of the
Brain Modulation business, which is part of the Restorative
Therapies Group at Medtronic. “The new Patient Programmer builds
out an end-to-end solution between patient and healthcare provider
with the DBS Clinician Programmer and Activa Programming
Application. With this device, patients gain confidence, as they
are able to discreetly manage their DBS therapy no matter where
they are.”
Managed on Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 tablet interface,
the Clinician Programmer and Activa Programming Application
provides a familiar clinical programming experience, streamlined
workflows and actionable information to support neurologists and
neurosurgeons in their treatment of patients. Medtronic has
partnered with Samsung since 2013 to enhance multiple therapies by
integrating Samsung’s user friendly, secure mobile devices into the
solution.
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation,
nearly one million people will be living with Parkinson's
disease in the U.S. by 2020 - while an estimated 10
million Americans have essential tremor (ET) according to
the International Essential Tremor Foundation. ET is a
neurological condition that causes shaking of the hands, head, and
voice.
About Medtronic DBS TherapyDBS therapy uses
a surgically implanted medical device, similar to a cardiac
pacemaker, to deliver electrical stimulation to precisely targeted
areas of the brain as adjunctive treatment for several neurological
disorders. Medtronic DBS systems are the first approved for
full-body MRI scans under specific conditions in the United States.
Since 1997, more than 150,000 Medtronic DBS devices have been
implanted worldwide for movement disorders and other
indications.
DBS therapy is currently approved in many
locations around the world, including the United States and Europe,
for the treatment of the disabling symptoms of epilepsy*, essential
tremor and recent and longer-standing Parkinson's disease. Under
Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) approvals** in the United
States, the therapy can also be used to treat chronic intractable
primary dystonia and severe, treatment-resistant
obsessive-compulsive disorder.*The new Activa™ Patient Programmer
is not approved for epilepsy. ** Humanitarian Device: The
effectiveness of the devices for the treatment of dystonia and
obsessive-compulsive disorder has not been demonstrated.
About MedtronicMedtronic plc
(www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the
world’s largest medical technology, services and solutions
companies – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life
for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more
than 90,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and
patients in more than 150 countries. The company is focused on
collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare
Further, Together.
Any forward-looking statements are subject to
risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's
periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated
results.
Samsung Knox and Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 are
trademarks of SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
-end-
David T. YoungPublic Relations+1-774-284-2746
Ryan WeispfenningInvestor Relations+1-763-505-4626
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