Cyberonics out of Houston, Texas received FDA clearance for its AspireHC implantable vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy device. The unit is cleared for patients with refractory epilepsy and treatment-resistant depression and improves on previous devices by having a longer lasting battery and improved electronics.
From the press release:
The AspireHC generator (development name NXT HC) represents the fifth generation of VNS Therapy® technology. This product incorporates greater functionality for the benefit of patients and their physicians, including longer battery life, improved electronics and simplified features for programming.
The AspireHC generator is expected to be in limited commercial release in the United States in the Company’s current quarter ending April 29, 2011. The company has applied for the CE Mark.
Press release: Cyberonics Announces FDA Approval of Aspire High Capacity Generator for VNS Therapy…
Cyberonics VNS therapy info page…