The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved St. Jude Medical's Infinity deep brain stimulation (DBS) system and directional lead to treat patients suffering from movement disorders.
Compatible with wirelless iOS software platform, the new DBS system provides targeted relief in the necessary areas for the patients suffering from Parkinson's disease or essential tremor.
Movement disorders are neurological conditions that will break communication throughout the central nervous system. It will result in debilitating loss of muscle control, involuntary movement and reduced coordination.
Infinity system uses clinician programmer with an iPad mini mobile digital device and an iPod touch mobile digital device patient controller with Bluetooth LE connectivity to enhance the programming process for the neurologist.
The system battery is available in two different sizes to accommodate different body types.
St. Jude Medical medical affairs vice president and neuromodulation director Dr Allen Burton said: “The St. Jude Medical Infinity DBS system and directional lead represent St. Jude Medical’s commitment to the treatment of debilitating movement disorders.
“The new St. Jude Medical Infinity system was designed to streamline therapy programming, allowing physicians more time to provide care to more patients.”
According to the company, the Infinity DBS system was first implanted by University of Florida Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration co-director Dr Kelly Foote at the UF Health Shands Hospital.
Foote said: “I’m very happy that the Infinity DBS system and its directional DBS lead are now available in the US. I believe that the directional lead represents an important advancement in DBS technology that has the potential to improve outcomes of DBS therapy for many patients.”
Image: St. Jude Medical Infinity DBS system. Photo: courtesy of Business Wire.