Professor of Neuroscience Peter Silburn and Dr Terry Coyne of St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital are the first team in the Asia Pacific region to implant the latest deep brain stimulation (DBS) technology – Abbott’s Liberta™ RC DBS system, which enables DBS patients to access care remotely from anywhere in the world.
This procedure also marks the pairs’ 1,350th DBS implant procedure together.
While DBS has been used as a treatment option since the late 90s for managing movement disorders, the latest advancement in technology offers patients the ability to manage programming for their DBS device remotely from anywhere in the world via Wi-Fi, in the smallest available rechargeable device.
DBS devices send small, controlled electrical signals into specific areas of the brain. These signals manage abnormal brain activity. In Australia, DBS is approved for drug-resistant movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia, as well as for treatment-resistant epilepsy and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
These uses are based on specific brain targets to help manage symptoms when other treatments have been unsuccessful.
This next-generation technology is the smallest device on the market, is rechargeable and the longest-lasting battery between charges. It also allows patients to receive care and upgrades via a secure application used over Wi-Fi, that they can access through their own Apple device. The process of updating the software is similar to that of a mobile phone software update.
This technology is designed to last more than a decade, minimising the need for battery replacements. The rechargeable battery and long battery life, coupled with the remote controllability of the device will see multiple benefits to overall healthcare and economic costs.
Fewer hospital procedures reduce the risk of infection, lowers hospital stay costs as well as delivering additional benefits such as less patient time off work – which can become significant if patients live regionally and are required to travel for the procedures and check-ups.
“This is about giving patients more freedom, control, and peace of mind,” said Professor Peter Silburn. “For people with Parkinson’s, movement disorders and other neurological disorders, it’s life-changing to know their therapy can be managed from home or even while travelling overseas.”
The system’s NeuroSphere™ Digital Care platform allows clinicians to adjust therapy settings remotely and push software updates directly to the implanted device. The bring-your-own-device model also means patients do not need to carry a separate programmer or go into the clinic for every adjustment.
“This isn’t just a smaller device, it’s a smarter system designed for the next decade of care,” Professor Peter Silburn added.
Australia is a pioneer in the field of remote care for neuromodulation in the Asia Pacific region, offering patients a longer-lasting, minimally invasive alternative with seamless digital support.
St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital is the first hospital in Australia to offer the new system.
