Abbott recently announced that it has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to launch the Liberta RC deep brain stimulation (DBS) system—the “world’s smallest” rechargeable DBS device with remote programming, according to the company—to treat people living with movement disorders. Abbott claims that the Liberta RC DBS system also requires the fewest recharges of any FDA-approved DBS system, needing only 10 recharge sessions a year for most people.
The Liberta RC DBS system is the only rechargeable DBS device compatible with Abbott’s proprietary NeuroSphere virtual clinic, which the company describes as a first-of-its-kind connected care technology in the USA that allows people to communicate with their doctors, ensure proper settings and functionality, and receive new treatment settings remotely as needed without going to a doctor’s office. Abbott says it developed its NeuroSphere virtual clinic after research showed that the average Abbott DBS user in the USA has to travel more than 150 miles to access a movement disorder specialist.
“When our patients choose a rechargeable DBS system, it is often based on the smaller size of the device, but the trade-off has always been how recharge frequency affects their lifestyle,” said Paul Larson (University of Arizona, Tucson, USA). “The Liberta RC DBS system excels in both areas as a compact, rechargeable device with the lowest recharge requirement of any FDA-approved DBS system. This achievement, coupled with the integration of remote programming capabilities, is a significant advancement for patients.”
At approximately the height and width of a smartwatch face, the Liberta RC DBS system is about 31% smaller than other commonly used, implantable, rechargeable DBS devices currently available in the USA, as per a recent Abbott press release.
When used under standard settings, the system needs to be recharged as few as every 37 days—or 10 times per year—using a wireless charger that is placed over the device. For users who prefer a weekly charging schedule, only 30 minutes of charging is needed. The wireless charging system allows people to be active while wearing it and can fully recharge the Liberta RC DBS system twice before needing to be plugged in again.
The Liberta RC DBS system, which can be controlled on an Abbott-supplied patient controller, or a compatible and secure iOS device, offers users helpful notifications and customisable settings for a “personalised charging experience”, the company further claims.
“In developing the Liberta RC DBS system, our focus has been on the unique experiences of individuals with chronic conditions like movement disorders,” said Pedro Malha, vice president, neuromodulation, Abbott. “At Abbott, we’re committed to addressing these diverse needs. This system exemplifies our drive to providing patient-first solutions, combining effective therapy, effortless recharging, and remote programming capabilities.”
