Medtronic’s Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Approved for Parkinson’s and Essential Tremor

The FDA has given Medtronic approval to market the Activa RC and Active PC deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices, featuring the option of rechargeability, and indicated “for the treatment of the symptoms of advanced Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor.”
From the press release:

Both Activa RC and Activa PC devices provide bi-lateral stimulation (to both sides of the brain) and offer a more advanced approach to device programming, and additional tools for capturing history relevant to the patient’s therapy. New programming options provide greater ability to fine tune the stimulation field and give patients more options to optimize their settings compared to previous DBS devices. Additionally, information about patient symptoms and side effects can be stored in the device, which is helpful to physicians in determining the best programming settings for each patient.
These next generation devices also have a hand-held patient programmer, which features new advancements, including an LCD screen that provides valuable information such as the level of battery charge. The programmer allows patients to alternate between stimulation settings pre-programmed by their clinician so they can customize their therapy based on their activity.
Activa PC is powered by a primary cell (non-rechargeable) battery that does not require any regular maintenance from the patient to provide continuous stimulation for multiple years. The Activa PC neurostimulator represents a 20 percent reduction in size and weight compared to previous bi-lateral devices and has similar battery life.
Activa RC is the first and only rechargeable DBS neurostimulator in the world and lasts for nine years before replacement is necessary. Patients need to recharge the device at home on a regular basis depending on their stimulation settings. Activa RC, also significantly smaller than previous bi-lateral devices, is expected to be used for select patients who have high-energy stimulation requirements.
Both Activa RC and Activa PC were approved in Europe in August 2008. Activa PC has become the most widely used device in Europe for bi-lateral DBS therapy.

Check out this video, released by Medtronic, that shows patients implanted with the Activa DBS device…
Press release: Medtronic Announces FDA Approval of Two Deep Brain Stimulation Devices That Offer Programming Advances and New Tools for Patients with Movement Disorders