Medtronic receives FDA approval of Percept RC DBS system

Medtronic has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of its Percept RC Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) system. The rechargeable neurostimulator is the latest innovation in the Medtronic Percept family, which includes the Percept PC neurostimulator, BrainSense technology, and SenSight directional leads. 

The Percept family is a sensing-enabled DBS system that allows the physician to personalise treatment for patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia as well as epilepsy.

Amaza Reitmeier, vice president and general manager, Brain Modulation within the Neuromodulation business at Medtronic said: "Our DBS therapy with exclusive BrainSense technology can help control debilitating tremors for people living with Parkinson's, providing patients with the ability to physically engage in everyday moments – something many of us unintentionally take for granted. We are transforming brain modulation through sensing-enabled DBS and will continue to drive therapy innovation with the goal of many more peoples' lives improved with Medtronic DBS therapy."

DBS uses a surgically implanted medical device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker. Medtronic Percept neurostimulators transmit electrical signals via slender wires to specific brain targets affected by debilitating neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease.

Percept RC is a small and thin dual channel neurostimulator, equipped with BrainSense technology that captures and records brain signals to provide insights that enable a healthcare provider to adapt and personalise therapy to a patient's needs. The Percept RC battery offers at least 15 years of service life with consistent recharge performance. 

Casey H. Halpern, M.D., Neurosurgeon and deep brain stimulation expert, said: "While more data are needed, the sensing capability of this unique deep brain stimulation system allows me the potential to tune stimulation delivery to brain activity, which may be a way to personalise this therapy for Parkinson's disease in the future.”