Abbott Expands its Directional Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy

Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor patients can now benefit from upgraded functionality with Abbott’s Infinity DBS system. Abbott announced US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for an over-the-air software upgrade for all currently implanted Infinity DBS systems that delivers magnetic resonance (MR)-conditional labeling and innovative features. This life-changing technology from Abbott helps patients with progressive diseases live better. Prior to the latest Abbott approval, people new to deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy or those living with older systems from other manufacturers may have experienced barriers in accessing the most advanced DBS therapy options because of the potential need for an MRI in the future. With its updated labeling, Abbott has addressed this challenge with the Infinity DBS system’s improved therapy platform — the first and only FDA-approved MR-conditional directional DBS system.

“With this software upgrade, Abbott delivers on a promise to develop powerful features that strengthen the Infinity DBS system’s already patient-centric platform, which uses familiar Apple technology and frees the patient from recharging their device,” said Binith Cheeran, M.D., medical director of movement disorders at Abbott. “We are committed to continued innovation in neuromodulation, developing ongoing advancements and efficiencies for physicians and, most importantly, helping thousands of people who are battling movement disorders live fuller lives.” This new approval allows existing implanted Infinity DBS systems to be upgraded via secure Bluetooth wireless technology without the need for surgery, giving full-body MRI conditional labeling to the entire Infinity DBS system, along with the suite of system upgrades.

“Today’s announcement of the newly released MRI-compatibility of the Infinity DBS system reflects Abbott’s continued commitment to patient-centric, cutting-edge care — where the patient’s options are expanded by the therapy instead of limited by it,” said Brian Kopell, M.D., a neurosurgeon and director of the Center for Neuromodulation at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor are neurologic conditions known as movement disorders, which are caused by a communication breakdown throughout the central nervous system. This can result in a debilitating loss of muscle control, involuntary movement and reduced coordination. At present there are no proven cures for movement disorders. Treatment options like Abbott’s DBS system focus on alleviating symptoms to improve quality of life. – Medical Buyer Bureau