Medtronic's Activa
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
Parkinson's disease control therapy system debuts in Europe following receipt of a CE mark, Medtronic reports April 27. The implantable neurostimulator is being marketed in Europe for use in stimulating the globus pallidus or subthalamic regions of the brain to control all major symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including rigidity, bradykinesia/akinesia, postural instability, and tremor. The Activa received FDA approval in July 1997 for stimulation of the thalamus to treat essential tremor and tremor associated with Parkinson's disease ("The Gray Sheet" Aug. 11, 1997, p. 5). Clinical evaluation in the U.S. for the expanded use is underway