Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute At Jersey Shore University Medical Center Implants Tri-State Area’s First Rechargeable Deep Brain Stimulation Implant For Treatment Of Movement Disorders

Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) is the first hospital in the New York City/Tri-State area to implant Medtronic’s latest Percept RC DBS neurostimulator, a rechargeable deep brain stimulation (DBS) neurostimulator implant for the treatment of movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor.

The implantation surgery was completed by Shabbar F. Danish, M.D., chair of Neurosurgery, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, and the DBS team, just ten days after the Medtronic device received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 

“The Neuroscience Institute is always looking for the next advancements to help improve the lives of our patients, including those with movement disorders,” Dr. Danish said. “We are proud to be the leader in the region, in delivering state-of-the-art care to the patients we serve.”

Percept™ RC from Medtronic is the smallest and thinnest dual-channel neurostimulator available for DBS. It is equipped with BrainSense™ technology that captures and records brain signals to provide insights that enable a healthcare provider to adapt and personalize therapy to a patient's evolving needs. Percept RC will help advance progress toward the vision of transforming therapy with sensing-enabled DBS. It is the smallest recharge system on the market.

A typical DBS battery lasts three to five years before it needs to be replaced, similar to a heart pacemaker, and it has to be done surgically. A rechargeable battery can last 10-15 years, typically when the device needs to be replaced, limiting the number of surgeries a patient needs to undergo. 

“The Jersey Shore Neuroscience Institute team, on behalf of our patients, remains at the cutting edge of the neuroscience technology envelope,”  said neurophysiologist Eric Hargreaves, Ph.D. “Deep brain stimulation is an effective tool in managing movement disorders, and this small rechargeable device will further the quality of life for our patients living with movement disorders while limiting the number of surgeries they need over their lifetime.”

The device takes approximately 15 minutes to recharge twice a week. Another feature of the Percept family of IPG models is the 3T MRI compatibility that allows these devices to uniquely remain active under certain contact configurations during MRI scans, without cessation of therapy. 

Deep brain stimulation can be used to help control the cardinal symptoms of Parkinson’s including slowed movement (bradykinesia), stiffness (rigidity), and resting tremor; both the intentional and postural tremor of essential tremor; and the involuntary and sometimes painful muscle contraction of dystonia. When medications aren’t as effective as they used to be and symptoms make even everyday tasks a challenge, DBS may help patients regain control again without medication fluctuations.

DBS is essentially a pacemaker for the brain, regulating the pathophysiology of affected areas involved in the movement disorder.  The implantation surgery involves placing a small wire or stimulating lead in the circuit of the brain affected. Extension cables are then routed under the skin down to the chest where the neurostimulator is implanted.  When switched on, the system delivers continual electrical stimulation, unfelt by the patient, to improve symptoms. In addition to movement disorders, DBS can also be used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, certain forms of medically refractory epilepsy, Tourette syndrome, and trigeminal neuralgia.

“Our neurosurgical teams, under Dr. Danish’s expert leadership, continue to provide the community we serve with leading-edge medical technologies and exceptional care,” said Vito Buccellato, MPA, LNHA, president and chief hospital executive at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.  “Providing our patients with this next-level DBS technology is just another example of how our neuroscience specialists are transforming healthcare.”

Dr. Danish has pioneered minimally invasive techniques for DBS. The Neuroscience Institute at JSUMC has a multidisciplinary team of experts, including neurologists, nurse practitioners, neuropsychologists, and neuro rehabilitation specialists.

“The Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute team at Jersey Shore University Medical Center are some of the best in medicine,” said Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, regional president, southern market, Hackensack Meridian Health. “This rechargeable DBS option shows you do not need to travel to New York City or Philadelphia for best-in-class care, it is available right here at Jersey Shore.”

Additional photos of the procedure are available here, courtesy Hackensack Meridian Health.