FDA approval for Liberta RC DBS system to treat movement disorders

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.

Communication between people and their doctors is critical to ensuring exceptional care, especially for those who suffer from chronic conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, that can be treated with deep brain stimulation therapy. The Liberta RC DBS system is the only rechargeable DBS device compatible with Abbott's proprietary NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic, a first-of-its-kind connected care technology in the U.S. that allows people to communicate with their doctors, ensure proper settings and functionality, and receive new treatment settings remotely as needed without stepping foot in a doctor's office.

Abbott developed NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic after research showed that the average Abbott DBS user in the U.S. must 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 tradeoff has always been how recharge frequency affects their lifestyle," said Dr. Paul Larson, professor of neurosurgery at the University of Arizona. "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 U.S. When used under standard settings, Abbott's Liberta RC DBS system needs to be recharged as few as every 37 days – or 10 times a 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 system, which can be controlled on an Abbott supplied patient controller or a compatible and secure iOS device, offers users helpful notifications and customizable settings for a personalized charging experience.

"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."