Applications of Proteon™ from SCHOTT Primoceler Oy
Active medical implants are becoming smaller and more intelligent. Today’s devices transmit and capture data and can be equipped with a variety of smart components that enhance performance and reduce implant size. The potential for advanced implants to enhance the quality of life for people with chronic and rare diseases is beyond our current imagination.
Neurostimulators / deep brain stimulation (DBS)
Neurostimulators, such as those used for deep brain stimulation (DBS), help manage neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease and epilepsy by delivering electrical impulses to specific brain regions. Current advancements aim at making these devices smaller and rechargeable, with more precise targeting and adjustable stimulation parameters.
Pressure sensing
Implantable pressure sensors help in the treatment of rare diseases and conditions such as hydrocephalus by monitoring pressure in real time. Current advances focus on wireless data transmission, eliminating the need for external cables and improving mobility. In addition, developments that miniaturize the implant play an enormously important role.
Vagus nerve stimulators (VNS)
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) manages epilepsy and depression by sending electrical impulses to the vagus nerve. Modern VNS devices offer adjustable settings and wireless connectivity. Future advancements aim to improve battery life, develop adaptive closed-loop systems, and expand treatment to other conditions.
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS)
Sacral nerve stimulation treats urinary and bowel dysfunction by sending electrical impulses to the sacral nerves, which control pelvic floor muscles. Current devices offer customizable settings and minimally invasive implantation. Future advancements aim to improve battery life, enhance wireless capabilities, and refine stimulation parameters for more effective and precise control of symptoms.
Spinal cord stimulators (SCS)
Spinal cord stimulators help manage chronic pain by sending electrical pulses to the spinal cord, masking pain signals before they reach the brain. Modern devices focus on providing customizable and targeted pain relief, incorporating advanced programming and MRI compatibility. Future developments aim at wireless charging, longer battery life, and more durable leads, enhancing ease of use and effectiveness for patients.
Cochlear implants
Cochlear implants provide a sense of sound to individuals with severe hearing loss. They have become more sophisticated, offering better sound quality and wireless connectivity to smartphones and other devices. Development efforts are focused on minimizing invasiveness, improving speech recognition in noisy environments, and extending battery life.
Retinal implants
Retinal implants, or "bionic eyes," are designed to restore vision for individuals with retinal degeneration. These implants are progressing towards higher resolution and more natural vision restoration. Current development is concentrating on improving image processing, increasing electrode density, and ensuring long-term biocompatibility and stability.
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Ville Hevenkorpi
Head of New Venture Primoceler