A Media Briefing for Activa Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy was held at Tropezz Bar & Restaurant last Thursday, March 6, 2008.

Frequently Asked Questions about Activa DBS Therapy

What is Activa DBS Therapy?

Activa DBS Therapy uses electrical stimulation to safely and effectively manage some of the most disabling motor symptoms of advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) and essential tremor.

It was approved in Canada, Europe and Australia in 1998 and the United States in 2002. It was also approved in Singapore in 2002.

How does Activa Therapy work?

Each side of the patient’s brain is implanted with a single electrical lead that is linked to a pacemaker-like device implanted in the chest area, just beneath the skin. And similar to a cardiac pacemaker, this device delivers electrical stimulation simultaneously to both sides of the brain, to those areas controlling movement and muscle functions. Stimulation of these areas helps to alleviate those disabling motor symptoms of PD.

Will Activa Therapy help my Parkinson’s disease?

Candidates for Activa Parkinson’s Control Therapy includes levodopa-responsive PD patients (when the primary symptoms of PD respond to the drug levodopa), those with movement-related symptoms that cannot be controlled by drugs alone, and those who experience intolerable side effects from drugs.

A person's age or pre-existing condition does not necessarily exclude him or her from becoming a candidate for Activa Parkinson’s Control Therapy. However, a doctor takes all patient factors into consideration before determining whether Activa Therapy is appropriate.

Does Activa Therapy cure my movement disorder?

There are no cures for PD at this time. Activa Therapy can treat some of the symptoms of these movement disorders and improve function, but does not cure the underlying conditions. If the therapy is discontinued, the patient's symptoms will return.

What are the parts that make up an Activa Therapy System?

The Activa Therapy System consists of three implantable components:

Lead: A thin, insulated coiled wire that is implanted in the brain and has four stimulating electrodes at the tip.

Extension: A thin, insulated coiled wire that connects the lead to the neurostimulator.  The extension is threaded under the skin from the head, down the neck and into the upper chest.

Neurostimulator: A small, sealed device similar to a cardiac pacemaker, which is implanted beneath the skin in the chest. The neurostimulator is powered by a battery and produces and controls the electrical pulses needed for stimulation. These electrical pulses are delivered through the extension and through the lead to the appropriate sites in the brain.

How long does the neurostimulator battery last?

Battery longevity varies, depending on the parameter settings and number of hours the neurostimulator is turned on each day. Typically, the battery lasts an average of three to five years, but it could be less than three years depending on individual patient requirements. A simple surgical procedure is all that’s needed to replace the neurostimulator. The extension and lead are typically not replaced.

Who should go for the surgery?

People with advanced, levodopa-responsive PD; those with movement-related symptoms that cannot be controlled by drugs alone, and those who experience intolerable side effects from drugs should consider going for the surgery.

What happens after the surgery?

Some time after the surgery, the patient returns to the physician for initial programming of the neurostimulator. The physician will adjust stimulation to optimize symptom control and minimize any side effects, and will then schedule follow-up appointments as needed.

How soon after surgery can a patient get back to his/her normal routine?

Some people leave the hospital the day after the implant procedure; others may stay a few days. Most individuals recover quickly and most experience little discomfort while healing. However, physicians do advise people to avoid exerting themselves for several weeks after implant.

How many people have used this therapy?

Since 1996, more than 30,000 people worldwide have used Activa Therapy to manage their movement-related symptoms of PD and essential tremor.

How much does Activa Therapy cost?

The overall cost of the system varies from country to country, based on how long a patient is hospitalized and different healthcare delivery systems. It also depends on the devices, hospital stay and physician fees and length of stay.

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