Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that leads to severe disability as the severity of treatment-resistant motor problems and non-motor symptoms worsens. In 2016, it was estimated that 6.1 million people worldwide had Parkinson’s disease. The prevalence in India was estimated to be 10% of the global burden, or 5.8 lakh people. 1 DBS is a therapy in which a small pacemaker-like device sends electrical signals to a targeted area of the brain related to the symptoms via very thin wires known as “leads.”.
implanted for the first time in India
SenSightTM directional lead systems were implanted for the first time in India by multidisciplinary teams from Aster Hospitals in Bangalore led by Dr Ravi Gopal Varma, Director Global Center of Excellence in Neurosciences & Lead Consultant Neurosurgeon, Dr Mirza Masoom Abbas, Neurologist & Movement Disorders Specialist, and Dr Nirmala S, Consultant Neurosurgeon. This was implanted in a 60-year-old male patient who had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease symptoms for the previous 8-9 years.
Target stimulation in the desired areas of the brain
This is the only directional lead device designed for sensing that may aid in increasing stimulation precision,” said Dr Ravi Gopal Varma, “The directional leads have segmented electrodes that help to target stimulation in the desired areas of the brain. Each electrode can be programmed to optimize patient outcomes and reduce stimulation-induced side effects. SenSight is the first and only DBS lead system that offers directionality and brain sensing synergies. This coupling looks promising for Parkinson’s patients.”
“Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that eventually causes severe disability to the patients. Medtronic has always been committed to offering latest advancements in the management of Parkinson’s and other movement disorders to improve patients’ quality of life. With the introduction of SenSight directional lead system in our country, we are confident about further improving patient experiences and clinical outcomes with such disorders.” said Rahul Arora, Director, Neurosciences Therapies, Medtronic India.
