Summary of Benefits

Features, Advantages & Benefits of Aleva

24 fully independent directional contacts (the highest number on the market) provide confidence that there will always be a directional electrode on the target.

Greater precision in programming
Increased flexibility in surgery
Higher flexibility in the ability in modulating the therapy based on the evolution of the patient status

Literature tells us that Directionality reduces the amount of VTA (Volume of Tissue Activated) ^{6 7} because it avoids the stimulation of unwanted areas and the consequent side effects.

Reduced amplitude to achieve meaningful improvement in motor symptoms.
Increased therapeutic window especially when compared with OMNIdirectional stimulation

Our rounded contact allows a more homogeneous electrical field directSTIM™, is designed to provide the highest directionality. ⁸

We believe this should translate into a lower current amplitude even when compared with existing directional contacts. Our internal studies confirm that squared contacts may be affected by hotspots in the 4 corners.

Leads combining omni and directional contacts may require a deeper implant to precisely reach the therapeutic target which risks reaching the branch of conduits (aqueduct) or vessels. Our distal directional contact is located exactly 2mm above the bottom of the lead. ⁹

This design grants additional safety to avoid complications

Aleva’s lead contains significantly less metal creating fewer image artefacts and distortion in both MRI and CT modalities. ¹⁰

Cleaner and more accurate reading of the CT scan
Easier detection and visualisation of intracerebral haemorrhages (ICH)

A higher number of patients benefitting from DBS
More successful surgeries for Neurosurgeons
Improved patient management for Neurologists

As the disease progresses, true directionality allows reshaping the target to maintain the therapeutical effects over the years avoiding unnecessary electrode revisions.
The system reduces the risk of untreated or undiagnosed post-op complications.

Footnotes

⁶T. A. Khoa Nguyen, Milan Djilas, Andreas Nowacki, André Mercanzini, Michael Schüpbach, Philipp Renaud, Claudio Pollo; Analysis of patient-specific stimulation with segmented leads in the subthalamic nucleus PLOS ONE, June 19, 2019

⁷León Mauricio Juárez-Paz; In silico Accuracy and Energy Efficiency of Two Steering Paradigms in Directional Deep Brain Stimulation; Front Neurol 2020 Oct 30;11:593798.

⁸Internal data – available upon request.

⁹DirectSTIM™ technical specification

¹⁰Internal data – available upon request.