Medtronic gains European approval for rechargeable implant for deep-brain stimulation

Medtronic has reached a significant milestone with the European authorization of its Percept RC neurostimulation device, positioning it as the smallest and thinnest deep-brain stimulation (DBS) implant presently available. This approval encompasses both the Percept RC neurostimulator and the innovative BrainSense technology, heralding a new era in neuromodulation devices.

Crafted to deliver a more streamlined and personalized DBS therapy experience, the Percept RC neurostimulator is rechargeable, providing heightened convenience for patients. 

The integration of BrainSense technology into the Percept RC empowers clinicians to monitor and analyze the patient’s brain signals. This capability enables healthcare professionals to synchronize therapy with patient-recorded events, encompassing disease symptoms and medication side effects. The device’s capacity to adapt therapy to a patient’s evolving needs represents a substantial advancement in the DBS field.

A notable feature of the Percept RC is its Overdrive battery technology, providing flexibility in adjusting therapy without compromising battery capacity. The device’s straightforward weekly charging process allows it to reach 90% capacity in less than an hour. Medtronic underscores that the battery is engineered to maintain over 99% of its total capacity even after 15 years of use, ensuring long-term reliability.

Amaza Reitmeier, Medtronic’s General Manager for Brain Modulation, conveyed enthusiasm regarding the potential of Percept RC to provide tailored and comfortable Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy for individuals dealing with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, primary dystonia, and epilepsy.

The compact design of the Percept RC not only establishes it as the smallest available DBS device but also facilitates deeper implantation under the skin, reducing its visibility. This low-profile design, combined with MR-conditional labeling, guarantees that patients can undergo full-body MRI scans (3T and 1.5T) without interrupting their DBS therapy, amplifying the device’s adaptability and patient convenience.

Domenico De Paolis, Vice President of Neuromodulation (International) at Medtronic, underscores the culmination of three decades of investment in clinical trials and research and development to enhance the overall experience of DBS patients. The Percept RC platform’s distinctive fusion of proprietary battery technology and brain-sensing capabilities positions it as an innovative solution for individuals grappling with diverse neurological conditions.

The European indication for the Percept RC device encompasses a spectrum of conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, primary dystonia, and epilepsy. Following its release in Western Europe and Japan, Medtronic actively pursues additional regions, with the device currently undergoing review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Being the sole DBS therapy family with MR conditional labeling, the Percept RC platform not only meets current patient needs but also allows for future enhancements through software updates. This adaptability ensures that patients can benefit from ongoing advancements in neuromodulation technology.