The Activa patient programmer provides at-home therapy management for DBS patients

Medtronic

Image: Medtronic has introduced Activa patient programmer technology in the US. Photo: courtesy of Medtronic.

Irish medical technology company Medtronic has introduced Activa patient programmer technology for deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy in the US.

In July this year, the Activa patient programmer technology secured approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Activa patient programmer is said to leverage a custom-configured Samsung mobile device to help patients manage their therapy.

Medtronic Restorative Therapies Group’s brain modulation business general manager and vice-president Mike Daly said: “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.”

Activa patient programmer leverages Samsung Knox security technology to help protect the device and patient

Samsung Knox security technology is used by the Activa patient programmer to protect the device and patient.

The patient programmer includes two components, a handset and a communicator, which will help patients to derive maximum benefit from their DBS therapy.

Activa patient programmer uses a Samsung smartphone, with a customised user interface, on a large 5-inch colour touchscreen, said the company.

The network-connected smartphone and system design enable patient data to be shared directly with clinical staff.

Clinicians can also determine settings and coordinate directly with their patients to adjust DBS therapy settings between clinic visits.

The communicator is a separate device, which synchronises with the implanted device and offers a secure connection to the programmer handset.

When patients decide to adjust physician-prescribed therapy settings, turn the therapy on or off, or check the neurostimulator’s battery, the communicator has to be placed over the implanted device and make the desired changes using the programmer.

Samsung Electronics America mobile B2B division head Taher Behbehani said: “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.”

Recently, Medtronic has introduced the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI) system for colonoscopy.