Rechargeable Deep Brain Stimulation Device Receives Approval from FDA as Treatment for Movement Disorders and Epilepsy

The Percept RC Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) system (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) has been granted approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for movement disorders including Parkinson disease (PD), essential tremor, primary dystonia, as well as for epilepsy. Percept RC DBS is a rechargeable model within the Medtronic Percept line of products, which includes the Percept PC neurostimulator, BrainSense technology, and SenSight.

The Percept RC DBS system is a surgically implanted medical device that delivers electrical stimulation to targeted regions of the brain for therapeutic effect. According to company statements, this is the smallest and thinnest dual-channel DBS device available on the market, and its lower profile enables deeper implantation depths of up to 2 cm. The device is designed with a 15-year service life with greater than 99% battery capacity, and it will allow for future software updates without the need for removal and reimplantation. Percept RC DBS’s battery is capable of recharging from 10% to 90% within an hour. Additionally, the device uses proprietary technology, providing physicians with real-time data collection for patients’ conditions to facilitate adaptable, data-driven treatment personalization.

"This development represents a critical step in our journey to transform Brain Modulation through sensing-enabled DBS," said Amaza Reitmeier, Vice President and General Manager for Medtronic Brain Modulation. "We are excited about the potential of Percept RC to provide a comfortable, personalized DBS therapy to those living with Parkinson’s Disease, Essential Tremor and Primary Dystonia. Percept RC is also the only rechargeable neurostimulator approved to serve patients with Epilepsy.”