The FDA previously approved 1.5T and 3.0T MRI conditional labeling with head and full-body transmit coils for the implantable components of the Axonics r-SNM system
The US FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. (Credit: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Axonics Modulation Technologies, a medical technology company that has developed and is commercializing novel implantable sacral neuromodulation (SNM) devices for the treatment of urinary and bowel dysfunction, has submitted a premarket approval (PMA) supplement to the FDA for the purpose of gaining detachable extremity coil magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conditional labeling for 1.5T and 3.0T MR scanners.
The FDA previously approved 1.5T and 3.0T MRI conditional labeling with head and full-body transmit coils for the implantable components of the Axonics r-SNM® System. This submission adds the ability to conduct MRI scans with detachable extremity transmit/receive coils. The standard FDA review timeline for labeling expansion PMA supplements is 180 days.
Extremity scans account for approximately 24% of all MRI scans performed today1. Axonics’ current MRI labeling allows for extremity scans with RF body and specialized extremity coils. The expanded labeling would allow extremity scans using “Detachable Upper and Lower Extremity Transmit/Receive Coils.” The expanded labeling, if approved, would be applicable to all previously implanted Axonics Systems.
Guangqiang “Jay” Jiang, chief technology officer of Axonics, commented, “These additional conditions will provide Axonics with the widest range of MRI conditions in sacral neuromodulation. The benefits of this expansion include (a) better image quality for extremity scans and increased scanning setup flexibility; (b) broader MRI access for patients; and (c) avoiding RF exposure of the entire body, which may be important to patients who are frail, elderly, diabetic, obese, or pregnant as they are less tolerant to thermal stress from RF exposure. This submission further demonstrates Axonics’ commitment to continuous innovation for the benefit of patients, clinicians and the healthcare system.”
Axonics has developed and is commercializing novel implantable SNM devices for patients with urinary and bowel dysfunction. These conditions are caused by a miscommunication between the bladder and the brain and significantly impacts quality of life.
Overactive bladder affects an estimated 87 million adults in the U.S. and Europe. Another estimated 40 million adults are reported to suffer from fecal incontinence/accidental bowel leakage.
Source: Company Press Release