FDA Approves iOS-Compatible App for Individuals With Chronic Pain and Movement Disorders to Personalize Therapy 

 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the app (Patient Controller; Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL) on compatible smartphone devices. The approval allows patients living with neurologic conditions, including chronic pain or movement disorders, the ability to manage therapy directly from their personal smartphone.

The app will be integrated into a broader NeuroSphere Digital Care connected care management platform, which became available in May. It is compatible with the suite of neuromodulation technologies, including deep brain stimulation (DBS) with the Infinity DBS System for individuals with Parkinson Disease (PD) or essential tremor, or neuromodulation for chronic pain, complex regional pain syndrome, or causalgia with the Proclaim XR SCS System. This integration across all neuromodulation technologies allows physicians to more easily treat the individual needs of each patient within their practice who have an Apple smartphone or tablet. 
 
With this app approval, the need to carry a separate patient programmer device is eliminated, streamlining the patient’s experience and seamlessly integrating therapy management into their life. This is an important step in the integration and connection of digital health tools that ultimately help individuals live fuller, healthier lives. 
 
“For physicians who are prescribing and implanting neuromodulation technologies, the ability to integrate therapies into one's everyday life is key," said Alexander Escobar, MD, clinical assistant professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at The University of Toledo, OH. "The COVID-19 global health crisis has demanded access to virtual treatment options, especially for those individuals with chronic medical conditions that may have difficulty coming to see their physician or would prefer not to leave their own home. To ensure our patients are receiving the care they need in the appropriate setting, close follow up is critical. Physicians have the ability to remain engaged with their patients through the Apple device, allowing them to interact and treat debilitating chronic pain.”
 
“The ability to support the changing needs of individuals living with debilitating chronic conditions, like PD, without them having to leave their homes is vitally important in today’s world,” said Drew Falconer, MD, director of the Parkinson and Movement Disorders Center, Inova Health System in Virginia. “Abbott’s NeuroSphere Digital Care solution, including the new Patient Controller app, allows patients to handle one single device and using the FaceTime application, interact with their provider teams in a convenient, easy-to-use interface -- an important attribute for those with tremors or have challenges with mobility.”