Medtronic has introduced its Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation (aDBS) system in India, an advancement over conventional deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapies aimed at improving symptom management in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition, affects movement and daily functioning, with symptoms that can extend to speech, sleep and overall quality of life. India accounts for an estimated 10% of the global disease burden, with cases expected to rise significantly in the coming years.

Traditional DBS systems require manual adjustments of stimulation levels, typically managed by patients or caregivers. Medtronic’s aDBS system is designed to automatically adapt stimulation in real time based on changes in brain signals or patient activity, enabling more consistent symptom control.

The system is powered by BrainSense technology, which has received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration.

The adaptive approach aims to reduce side effects, optimise therapy delivery and extend the battery life of the implanted device. DBS therapy involves implanting a device under the skin that delivers electrical signals to targeted areas of the brain to help regulate abnormal movement-related signals.

With India projected to become one of the largest markets for Parkinson’s disease management globally, the launch comes at a time of increasing demand for advanced treatment options. While there is no cure for the condition, DBS has been used for more than three decades to manage symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders.

Prateek Tiwari, Senior Director, Neuroscience & Specialty therapies, Medtronic India said, “We are extremely proud to introduce this advanced technology in India, where Parkinson’s disease is an increasingly significant healthcare concern. Our mission has always been to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life, and the introduction of this system reflects our continued commitment to that mission. This milestone not only reaffirms our dedication to addressing the growing burden of Parkinson’s disease but also strengthens our leadership in bringing cutting-edge healthcare technologies to India to ultimately improve patients’ quality of life.’’