Medtronic India Launches NeuroSmart Portable MER Navigation System for Parkinson's Disease Treatment

The NeuroSmart MER Navigation system optimizes electrode placement with precision, relieving symptoms such as tremors and stiffness.

Medtronic India has launched its latest innovation, the NeuroSmart Portable Micro Electrode Recording (MER) Navigation system, which seeks to revolutionize the treatment of Parkinson's disease through Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).

This cutting-edge technology aims to enhance precision during surgery, offering new hope for patients suffering from the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty walking.

DBS therapy offers a treatment option for individuals with Parkinson's disease, wherein a small pacemaker-like device delivers electrical signals to specific areas of the brain via thin wires known as 'leads.'

These signals help alleviate the symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, improving patients' quality of life.

Key Features of NeuroSmart Navigation System

The company claims that the NeuroSmart Portable MER Navigation system in DBS therapy provides advanced neurophysiological navigation mapping to enhance electrode placement accuracy while recording neural activity.

Developed by Alpha Omega Engineering, this innovative system features HaGuide automatic navigation, facilitating precise target localization to identify the most effective treatment site for each patient.

The system ensures optimum symptom relief with minimal side effects by optimizing electrode placement.

Sharing thoughts, Prateek Tiwari, senior director, Neuroscience & Specialty Therapies, Medtronic India, said, "Aimed at enhancing patient and clinician experiences, Medtronic's legacy of innovation in DBS spans over two decades. Our advanced DBS systems foster confidence in the operating room by empowering healthcare professionals with precise data for procedural planning and verification. The NeuroSmart MER Navigation system integrates seamlessly, providing real-time feedback to ensure accuracy and reliability throughout the DBS procedure."

Global Impact of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease affects millions worldwide, with an estimated 6.1 million people diagnosed in 2016. In India alone, the prevalence of Parkinson's disease is significant, accounting for approximately 10% of the global burden, equivalent to 5.8 Lakh individuals.

The company states that the Neurology team at Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru, led by Dr Raghuram G and Dr Guruprasad Hosurkar, became the first to utilize the NeuroSmart Portable MER Navigation system for Parkinson's patients in India.

The team successfully treated a 68-year-old patient who had been suffering from Parkinson's disease for over a decade, experiencing restricted movement and challenges in daily activities.

Despite initial relief from medications, the patient's symptoms worsened over time, necessitating alternative management options.

Dr Raghuram G, said, "This technology is a game-changer. AI and real-time feedback mean that the new MER Navigation system has revolutionized our approach to targeting brain structures during DBS procedures. This advancement significantly elevates our precision, enabling us to tailor treatments with unprecedented accuracy. Ultimately, this precision optimization translated directly into improved patient outcomes, offering newfound hope and efficacy in our efforts to manage Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions."

Dr Hosurkar further emphasized the transformative nature of DBS therapy, which enhances motor function and grants patients newfound independence.

Through the precision of the NeuroSmart MER Navigation system, electrode placement is meticulously optimized, providing profound relief from debilitating symptoms such as tremors and stiffness.