Susan Perry, a 69-year-old San Antonio resident, has struggled with rheumatoid arthritis for nearly four decades. She was diagnosed in her early 30s and has tried numerous medications to manage her symptoms. However, she recently became the first person in Texas to receive a new implant that has shown promise in treating the condition.
Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, pain, and swelling in the joints. It affects approximately 1.3 million Americans, with women being disproportionately affected. Perry’s experience with the disease has been particularly challenging, with her symptoms worsening over time.
In February, Perry underwent a procedure to implant a new device called the SetPoint System. The device is a jelly-bean-sized neuromodulation implant that sends electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, which helps to regulate inflammatory responses in the body. The implant has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Perry’s experience with the implant has been positive, with her reporting significant improvements in her symptoms. She is no longer required to use a stool to sit on while volunteering at her church and is able to sleep pain-free. Her blood tests have also shown a significant reduction in inflammation levels.
A New Approach to Treating Inflammation
The SetPoint System offers a new approach to treating inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rather than suppressing the immune system, the device modulates it to reduce inflammation. This approach has shown promise in clinical trials, with patients experiencing sustained improvements in disease activity and relatively few adverse events.
Researchers are now exploring the potential of similar neuroimmune modulation to treat other diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease. While the implant has shown promise, its adoption may depend on insurance coverage and the willingness of rheumatologists to refer patients for surgery.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
