St. Jude Medical has obtained CE mark for its deep brain stimulation (DBS) systems, designed for the treatment of primary and secondary dystonia.
The Brio, Libra and LibraXP DBS devices, which are placed using two thin leads with small electrodes, deliver a constant series of painless electrical pulses to subthalamic nucleus (STN) or the globus pallidus interna (GPi) regions of the brain.
France University Hospital Centre neurology professor Elena Moro said, "For patients who do not respond to medications, deep brain stimulation therapy may alleviate symptoms such as repetitive, twisting movements, allowing them to improve their independence and overall quality of life."
Brio, which the company claims to be the world's smallest DBS device, has a thin 10mm profile and greater implant depth, thus making the device suitable for patients with a small body type.
The DBS therapy, which is available in Europe and Australia currently for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, is being clinically evaluated for use in depression and essential tremor.
