Cyberonics' VNS device approved for epilepsy in Japan
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
The vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy system developed by Cyberonics (Houston, Texas) has been approved by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. The device, which is already approved in the US for both refractory epilepsy and depression, delivers electrical pulses to the vagus nerve via a generator that is implanted in the chest. This stimulation is designed to prevent the electrical irregularities in the brain that cause seizures. Tokyo-based Nihon Kohden is the exclusive distributor of the device in Japan.
You may also be interested in...
What are the hottest innovations from Israel?
Israel is well-known as a medtech hot-spot, with a focus on academic research and strong government support helping the country punch well above its weight when it comes to innovative devices.
EuroPCR: St Jude and Philips talk up rival intravascular imaging techs
St Jude Medical had a heavy focus on its intravascular imaging offering at this year’s EuroPCR meeting, presenting data supporting its optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology. OCT provides intravascular images to help assess culprit lesions, which can improve stent selection and deployment, according to St Jude.
EuroPCR: Medtronic's drug-coated balloon keeps rising
A big topic at this year’s EuroPCR, held in Paris on 19-22 May, was drug-coated balloons (DCBs). One of the leaders in the field, Medtronic, presented positive data from two studies of its IN.PACT Admiral balloon, which could support an expanded indication for the device.