Remote Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) programming gives patients with implanted DBS devices that treat movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor, the ability to have their devices programmed and reset remotely. Remote DBS programming is only available to patients who are using Abbott’s InfinityTM DBS System.
Rush University Medical Center is the first center in Illinois, and one of the first in the country, to offer this innovative, FDA-approved technology. Our neurologists and neurosurgeons at Rush are skilled practitioners of DBS, which helps patients with movement disorders control their symptoms, such as tremor, rigidity, stiffness, slowed or abnormal movements and walking problems.
If DBS is determined to be the best therapeutic option for patients, remote DBS programming allows patients to have their devices adjusted in the comfort of their own home.
How does it work?
DBS therapy targets the subthalamic nucleus (STN), the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) and the internal globus pallidus (GPi), areas of the brain responsible for movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor.
Using remote DBS programming, clinicians can make extensive changes to their patient’s DBS device both in clinic and remotely. They make those changes using an iPad mini device connected to the internet, which greatly reduces the number of trips patients have to make into the clinician’s office.
Who would be a good candidate for remote DBS programming?
- Patients who live a significant distance from the institution where their DBS device was implanted and/or where they go for follow-up appointments to adjust their DBS device.
- Patients with mobility issues who would benefit from less frequent trips to their provider’s office.
- Patients with concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Patients residing in more than one location throughout the year.
