Remote Control of Neuromodulation Devices in Movement Disorders and Chronic Pain Launches
A Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved remote neuromodulation (NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic, Abbott Laboratories Chicago, IL) has launched to assist individuals communicate with their physicians, ensure proper settings and functionality of their implanted neuromodulators, and receive new treatment settings remotely. The remote neuromodulation has the ability increase access to optimal treatment for individuals with chronic pain or movement disorders who have difficulty accessing care or are unable to get to the doctor.
The remote neuromodulation connects with an individual’s doctor via a secure in-app video chat and an integrated remote programming feature. The remote neuromodulation also enables clinicians to prescribe new treatment settings remotely.
"With NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic, physicians can communicate and digitally prescribe new stimulation settings remotely, allowing them to extend care beyond their clinic walls and optimize therapy management," said Timothy Deer, MD, DABPM, president and chief executive officer of The Spine and Nerve Center of the Virginias in Charleston, WVa “This is a significant advancement for people with chronic pain."
"NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic solves considerable issues patients with movement disorders, such as Parkinson disease (PD) or essential tremor, can have in obtaining the care they need," said Drew Falconer, MD, neurologist and director, Inova Parkinson and Movement Disorders Center in Fairfax, Va. "Often, patients must be off their medication overnight, so that their treatments can be adjusted properly, which can make it difficult for a patient to travel to their specialist. With NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic, patients can receive stimulation settings from their physicians in real time and remotely via cloud and Bluetooth-based technology, which is something we have never been able to do before. This opens up a world in which patients can receive the care they need anytime, anywhere."
The remote neuromodulation is also compatible with other neuromodulation technologies created by the same company. This includes the Infinity DBS System for individuals with PD and tremors of the upper extremities in adults with essential tremors; Proclaim XR SCS System for individuals with chronic pain of the trunk and/or limbs; and the Proclaim DRG Neurostimulation System for individuals with chronic pain in the lower limbs caused by complex regional pain syndrome or causalgia.