Medtronic DBS technology shows benefits for Parkinson’s patients

Medtronic has welcomed the publication of new clinical trial data showing how its deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy can help Parkinson's disease patients with early motor complications.

Results from Earlystim – which was the first large, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial to evaluate patients within this group – showed that DBS therapy delivered a mean 26 per cent improvement in disease-related quality of life at two years.

A 53 percent improvement in motor skills, a 61 percent better rate of levodopa-induced complications and a 30 percent enhancement in various activities of daily life – including speech, handwriting, dressing and walking – were all associated with DBS therapy.

By contrast, those treated using the best available medical therapy experienced no improvements at all over the period.

Dr Lothar Krinke, vice-president and general manager of the global DBS business within Medtronic's neuromodulation division, said: "Medtronic is committed to supporting research like Earlystim, which represents a unique collaboration between industry and academia."

Earlier this month, the company announced that its new Evera portfolio of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators has been ratified with the European CE Mark ahead of its rollout in the region.