Scientists were able to block tremors without the need for brain surgery.
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Image Credit: KatarzynaBialasiewicz via iStock (Stock photo. Posed by model)
Dutch and American researchers have developed a so-called 'Bio-electronic Neurodegenerative Filter.'
According to Mehrdad Omidvar, CEO at Life Science Business, there were more than 10 million patients with Parkinson's disease worldwide in 2018. Over the past two years, his international team has done a lot of research in the Netherlands, the US and in India and developed this a technology that blocks tremors (Involuntary, uncontrollable, and somewhat rhythmic muscle contractions that involve twitching movements of one or more body parts) in Parkinson's patients without brain surgery. The Dutch Neurodegenerative Filter Technology (DNF) is a Dutch invention and is intended to improve the quality of life of Parkinson's patients.
The DNF system is the first patented system that offers the possibility of filtering unwanted impulses that are sent from the brain to the nerves and muscles through the peripheral nerve pathways while allowing the desired signals to pass through. Moreover, the DNF system can record any desired and undesired impulse 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Registration of this data with the use of artificial intelligence allows scientists to develop even better treatment techniques.
Dr. Ajay K. Seth, surgeon and co-inventor of the new technology, stated that current neurodegenerative treatments (medication and brain stimulation) often do not achieve a significant long-term tremor reduction in a large portion of patients. Moreover, surgery on the brain is very risky and very expensive. In addition to DNF technology, the team has also developed a special surgical technique for the application of the DNF system. The team is currently investigating the implementation of DNF technology to other neurodegenerative diseases such as Restless Legs Syndrome, Essential Tremor, and Neuropathic Pain.
The DNF system / neurodegenerative filter - Image Credit: Life Science Business
Surgical technique & Nano electrodes:
The DNF surgical technique differs from existing methods. Instead of implanting electrodes into the brain, the nano-electrodes of the DNF system are implanted directly into the nerves of the peripheral nervous system via outpatient surgery. "Our external partners (universities and companies) are currently working on the development of the most suitable nano-electrodes for the DNF system," says Omidvar.
Benefits of DNF technology
By using DNF Technology, surgery and care costs are expected to be reduced by an impressive 70%. No surgery is performed on the central nervous system (brain or spinal cord). In addition, the operation is less invasive and stressful for the patient. The surgery is done on an outpatient basis with much fewer risks (no chance of blurred vision, unclear speech, or other brain complications). Overall the quality of life for Parkinson's patients is expected to improve.
Life Science Business hopes to start the clinical study at the end of this year.
Sources and further reading: Life Science Business/ANP press release - Parkinson's Disease Statistics
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