Spectrum Health, a healthcare center based in West Michigan, has become the first US hospital to use Medtronic’s SenSight Directional Lead System for the treatment of epilepsy.
What is the SenSight Directional Lead System?
Approved by the FDA in June 2021, Medtronic’s device system uses deep brain stimulation (DBS) to treat various neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and essential tremor.
The system has two components. The first component, which resembles a pacemaker, is implanted into the skull and sends electrical signals to certain areas of the brain. Depending on the patient’s condition, the targeted areas can be those responsible for movement control (for example, Parkinson’s) or the generation of seizures (epilepsy).
The second component is called a Percept PC neurostimulator. This device communicates with the first in order to fine-tune the electrical signals being sent to the brain for a more accurate result.
Both components of the system can be adjusted by a neurologist to reduce symptoms and minimize any side effects of the treatment, should they arise.
Benefits of the system
Spectrum Health’s Dr. Rushna Ali, M.D., who became the first neurosurgeon in Michigan to implant the device in a patient with Parkinson’s disease, praises the device. “Because this newer technology can record brain signals, we now have objective data that will allow us to look for patterns and make adjustments accordingly,” she said.
“This objective data, along with the directionality of the leads, will help us better understand and treat movement disorders and epilepsy. The goal is to improve the quality of life for our patients with this more personalized and innovative care,” said Dr. Sanjay Patra, M.D., division chief of neurosurgery at Spectrum Health. Dr. Patra was the first in the nation to use Medtronic’s device for the treatment of epileptic seizures.
Written by Natan Rosenfeld