Implanted computer chip helps alleviate rheumatoid arthritis pain in clinical trial
"By driving electrical signals down the vagus nerve into the immune system, it's possible to stop inflammation and that's what the chip does," says Dr. Kevin Tracey, the institute's president.
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A Northwell Health patient who was implanted with a computer chip that was designed to alleviate the debilitating auto-immune symptoms of swelling, stiffness and joint pain says it has changed her life.
Dawn Steiner was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and tried eight medications, but none brought her full relief.
For many years, she suffered from autoimmune symptoms that she said made it very painful to get up, raise her arms, move her shoulders, brush her teeth and shower.
Two years ago, Steiner enrolled in a clinical trial through Northwell's Feinstein Institute. Researchers have been working on mapping the vagus nerve, which carries signals between the brain, heart and digestive system. It also helps regulate the body's inflammatory response.
The institute's research also involves a vagus nerve stimulation where patients have a computer chip implanted into their necks.
"By driving electrical signals down the vagus nerve into the immune system, it's possible to stop inflammation and that's what the chip does," says Dr. Kevin Tracey, the institute's president.
Tracey says Steiner and about 50% of people with rheumatoid arthritis do not get relief from their symptoms from medications currently available.
Steiner says within a week of the implant being turned on, she began to feel some relief. Two years post-surgery, she is feeling the best she has felt in 15 years.
Tracey says the Food and Drug Administration is considering whether or not to approve this type of therapy for use in the U.S.
