Abbott recently announced the Health Canada licensing of NeuroSphere virtual clinic, a remote programming technology that the company claims is the first of its kind in Canada and is compatible with Abbott’s suite of neuromodulation technologies.
NeuroSphere virtual clinic has the potential to increase access to optimal treatment for patients living with chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease or essential tremors who might otherwise have difficulty receiving care from their healthcare provider due to location, or being unable to travel to seek care, according to an Abbott press release.
“Without alternatives to in-person programming, many of these patients may delay or forego care, particularly those who face a travel burden,” said Alfonso Fasano (University Health Network, Toronto, Canada). “Fortunately, innovative virtual healthcare options are changing the treatment landscape, ultimately extending care beyond clinic walls. Remote programming is an important new option that allows patients to communicate with their physicians virtually to ensure proper device settings and functionality. This brings the convenience of connected care to neurostimulation therapy, giving patients the ability to manage their therapy in a way that fits their personal needs.”
Abbott’s NeuroSphere virtual clinic gives patients the flexibility and comfort of receiving care anywhere by connecting with their doctor via a secure in-app video chat and an integrated remote programming feature. According to Abbott, this feature enables clinicians to prescribe new treatment settings remotely to the patient’s neurostimulation device using the clinician programmer app and a new, simple and secure remote care connection.
NeuroSphere virtual clinic—which was first launched in the USA in March 2021—is compatible with the following Health Canada-licensed Abbott neuromodulation devices:
- Proclaim spinal cord stimulation (SCS), for the management of chronic, intractable pain of the trunk and/or limbs
- Proclaim dorsal root ganglion (DRG) therapy, for the management of moderate to severe chronic intractable pain of the lower limbs
- Infinity deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy, for the management of Parkinson’s disease and tremor
“For more than a decade, Abbott has been evaluating the treatment hurdles neuromodulation patients faced,” said Pedro Malha, vice president, neuromodulation, Abbott. “During this time, we have diligently worked to find better ways of connecting patients to their doctors. The launch of NeuroSphere virtual clinic in Canada exemplifies Abbott’s ability to put science and innovation to work, delivering solutions to help people live their best lives.”
