As far as epic journeys go, 1.2 miles is pretty manageable and quite lovely.
New York’s Central Park in April. There are worse places to be. And worse reasons to be there.
Because, on this spring morning, an impressive group of people has united to continue their journey to a place many thought could not be reached.
A place where Parkinson’s Disease no longer exists.
This is the Parkinson’s Unity Walk, one more path on which explorers like Jim McNasby, 53, Chief People Officer and General Counsel for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), take on a degenerative neurologic condition diagnosed in nearly 1 million Americans, 10 million worldwide.
We know Jim because we featured his story before — and his role in efforts to end Parkinson’s, both through his professional role and in supporting the Unity Walk itself, are well-known in the community.
McNasby — individually and paired with his husband, Donny Moss (as Team McMoss) — has been a top Unity Walk fundraiser, bringing in more than $100,000 this year and $1 million-plus over the last decade.
We know Parkinson’s because Abbott’s neuromodulation business developed the Infinity Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) system, a strong tool that has helped McNasby live a better quality of life with the condition over the past several years.
Abbott has supported and worked extensively with the Parkinson’s community, including advocates like MJFF, for years, understanding that unified action is the best path to success.
The Road Less Traveled. Until Now.
Parkinson’s is second only to Alzheimer’s as the most common neurodegenerative disease and, like Alzheimer’s in 2011, is the subject of historic national legislation geared to slow and, eventually, end the disease.
When enacted, this legislation, currently working its way through Congress as the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act (National Plan), will support multiple approaches to combat the effects of, and hopefully eradicate, the disease.
“There are three primary pillars to the National Plan,” said Mason Zeagler, public policy officer at MJFF. “It will unite the federal government and private enterprise in a mission to prevent and cure Parkinson’s, while simultaneously working to improve the quality of life for those currently living with the disease.”
This journey has many participants, and the National Plan is designed to provide them all the support necessary.
“What often happens at the federal level is that individual agencies work in silos. This bill will get all the right people around the same table,” Zeagler said.
The precedent bodes well.
“In 2011, Alzheimer’s took the same path, and since then federal research jumped from hundreds of millions to billions of dollars,” Zeagler said. “Our goal is to ensure the best outcomes for the most people. We’re coming at it from all angles to get advocates and the grass roots movement engaged.”
Road Warrior
McNasby gets it because he’s lived it.
For almost a quarter century.
“I tell people that it’s a long journey and a long battle that we’re in for.”
But few have trained harder or longer than him to help lead this work.
McNasby was diagnosed in 2000 at age 31, far younger than most people with Parkinson’s. After years of medication treatment that became less effective over time, our Infinity Deep Brain Stimulation neuromodulation device was implanted in 2020, which, in his case, had an immediate impact.
His unique position as both Chief People Officer with MJFF and a person with Parkinson’s gives him a particularly focused perspective.
“Along with the CEO, I get to make the hiring decisions for people brought in to spend each day solving a complex problem like Parkinson’s,” he said. “That makes me feel strong. Like I’m doing something palpable. Here is a person who is here to help me get better. That’s a strong incentive to get it right.”
His personal and professional stakes in MJFF efforts mirror his broad view of the work that needs to be done, both for people like him with the diagnosis, and for the generations to come that he hopes never have to face his challenges.
Having the Right Tools
“Research is essential,” McNasby said. “MJFF is currently funding more research than the federal government, and that’s not the right ratio. We need them to catch up and pass us.”
With adequate resources, the future looks promising. Much research is focused on identifying biomarkers that will reduce the impact on future generations.
“We’re funding clinical trials that will provide biologically-based criteria for whether a treatment is working, not just determining if a drug is effective based on how fast one snaps their fingers.”
MJFF is monitoring 145 unique therapies in clinical testing that are targeting novel pathways, addressing the underlying disease biology or symptoms of the disease.
Soon they expect to assess biomarkers over time and chart the progress and limitations of Parkinson’s. “That level of empiricism will help us establish prevention strategies and develop better treatment plans,” McNasby said.
Dialing Up Hope from a Paramus Parking Lot
But the impact of all this work is not limited to the physical. Every journey takes a psychological toll, especially one with such unique components. There is no place for false optimism.
But there is considerable room for legitimate hope.
Hope in technology.
“I was in the Catskills [in New York] when I noticed I was having some problems. I contacted my doctor, who, using the Neurosphere Virtual Clinic technology that controlled my Infinity DBS, was able to diagnose the problem while she was sitting in a parking lot in Paramus, New Jersey,” McNasby recalled.
“I felt like it was 2250 and I was in outer space. When the current state feels like science fiction, that gives you hope.”
We are doing our best to provide the technology that helps people literally walk the walk and live each day to its best advantage.
Hope in people.
“At the Foundation, we have 18 Ph.D.’s and a diverse, highly qualified team with a wide range of skills,” he said. “Our greatest strength is that we can put five or six of these people in a room and, because of their talents and diverse points of view, they will come up with the best possible solution to an issue.”
Hope in legislation.
Remember those 144 clinical trials from earlier? There were almost none in 2000. Groups like MJFF have carried that heavy weight for decades and could use some help in getting over the finish line. The pending bill will greatly assist that push.
A View We Can Live With
The long road toward ending Parkinson’s is not a typical one. It is far from linear, has innumerable hills and valleys, and we’ll likely only sense reaching the destination before actually seeing it.
It is indeed a “long journey and a long battle.”
But we are at a unique time when that finish line just might be coming into view — if the necessary resources and talents can be focused to best effect.
It’s called a Unity Walk for a reason.
Disclaimer:
This patient's experience may not be typical or indicative of other patients' experiences.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION (DBS) THERAPY
Prescription And Safety Information
Read this section to gather important prescription and safety information. For specific indications, contraindications, instructions, warnings, precautions, and adverse effects about system components available in your country or region, see the approved clinician's manual for those components.
Intended Use
This neurostimulation system is designed to deliver low-intensity electrical impulses to nerve structures. The system is intended to be used with leads and associated extensions that are compatible with the system.
Indications For Use
United States:
The neurostimulation system is indicated for the following conditions:
International:
The neurostimulation system is indicated for the following conditions:
Contraindications
United States:
This system is contraindicated for patients who meet the following criteria:
The following procedures are contraindicated for patients with a deep brain stimulation system. Advise patients to inform their healthcare professional that they cannot undergo the following procedures:
International:
Implantation of this neurostimulation system is contraindicated for the following:
The following procedures are contraindicated for patients that have been implanted with this device:
Diathermy therapy. Do not use short-wave diathermy, microwave diathermy, or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy (all now referred to as diathermy) on patients implanted with a neurostimulation system. Energy from diathermy can be transferred through the implanted system and can cause tissue damage at the location of the implanted electrodes, resulting in a severe injury or death.
Diathermy is further prohibited because it may also damage the neurostimulation system components. This damage could result in loss of therapy, requiring additional surgery for system replacement. Injury or damage can occur during diathermy treatment whether the neurostimulation system is turned on or off. All patients are advised to inform their healthcare professional that they should not be exposed to diathermy treatment.
MRI Safety Information
Some models of this system are Magnetic Resonance (MR) Conditional, and patients with these devices may be scanned safely with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when the conditions for safe scanning are met. Scanning under different conditions may cause device malfunction, severe patient injury, or death. For more information about MR Conditional deep brain stimulation (DBS) components and systems, including equipment settings, scanning procedures, and a complete listing of conditionally approved components, refer to the MRI procedures clinician's manual for DBS systems (available online at medical.abbott/manuals).
For more information about MR Conditional products, visit the Abbott Medical product information page at neuromodulation.abbott/us/en/healthcare-professionals/mri-support.html.
Warnings
The following warnings apply to this neurostimulation system.
Pregnancy and nursing. Safety and effectiveness of neurostimulation for use during pregnancy and nursing have not been established. Patients should not use this neurostimulation system if they are pregnant or nursing.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Some patients may be implanted with the components that make up a Magnetic Resonance (MR) Conditional system, which allows them to receive an MRI scan if all the requirements for the implanted components and for scanning are met. A physician can help determine if a patient is eligible to receive an MRI scan by following the requirements provided by Abbott Medical. Physicians should also discuss any risks of MRI with patients.
If any component of the implanted neurostimulation system, such as an IPG, lead, or extension, does not meet the requirements for an MR Conditional system, do not perform an MRI scan. If a system does not meet the MR Conditional requirements, consider it MR Unsafe.
High stimulation outputs and charge density limits. Avoid excessive stimulation. A risk of brain tissue damage exists with parameter settings using high amplitudes and wide pulse widths. High amplitudes and wide pulse widths should only be programmed with due consideration of the warnings concerning charge densities. The system can be programmed to use parameter settings outside the range of those used in the clinical studies.
If the programming of stimulation parameters exceeds the charge density limit of 30 μC/cm2, a screen will appear warning you that the charge density is too high. Charge density can be reduced by lowering the stimulation amplitude or pulse width. For more information, see the clinician programmer manual.
Higher amplitudes and wider pulse widths may indicate a system problem or a suboptimal lead placement. Stimulation at high outputs may cause unpleasant sensations or motor disturbances or may render the patient incapable of controlling the patient controller. If unpleasant sensations occur, the device should be turned off immediately using the patient magnet.
Risk of depression, suicidal ideations, and suicide. New onset or worsening depression, which may be temporary or permanent, is a risk that has been reported with DBS therapy. Suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide are events that have also been reported. Therefore, physicians should consider the following:
Poor surgical risks. Neurostimulation should not be used on patients who are poor surgical risks or patients with multiple illnesses or active general infections.
Explosive or flammable gasses. Do not use the clinician programmer or patient controller in an environment where explosive or flammable gas fumes or vapors are present. The operation of the clinician programmer or patient controller could cause them to ignite, causing severe burns, injury, or death.
Operation of machinery and equipment. Patients should not operate potentially dangerous machinery, power tools, or vehicles or engage in any activity that could be unsafe if their symptoms were to unexpectedly return.
Device components. The use of components not approved for use by Abbott Medical with this system may result in damage to the system and increased risk to the patient.
Electrosurgery. To avoid harming the patient or damaging the neurostimulation system, do not use monopolar electrosurgery devices on patients with implanted neurostimulation systems. Before using an electrosurgery device, place the device in Surgery Mode using the patient controller app or clinician programmer app. Confirm the neurostimulation system is functioning correctly after the procedure.
During implant procedures, if electrosurgery devices must be used, take the following actions:
Radiofrequency or microwave ablation. Careful consideration should be used before using radiofrequency (RF) or microwave ablation in patients who have an implanted neurostimulation system since safety has not been established. Induced electrical currents may cause heating, especially at the lead electrode site, resulting in tissue damage.
Implanted cardiac systems. Physicians need to be aware of the risk and possible interaction between a neurostimulation system and an implanted cardiac system, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator. Electrical pulses from a neurostimulation system may interact with the sensing operation of an implanted cardiac system, causing the cardiac system to respond inappropriately. To minimize or prevent the implanted cardiac system from sensing the output of the neurostimulation system:
Other active implanted devices. The neurostimulation system may interfere with the normal operation of another active implanted device, such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, or another type of neurostimulator. Conversely, the other active implanted device may interfere with the operation of the neurostimulation system.
Case damage. If the case of the implantable pulse generator (IPG) is pierced or ruptured, severe burns could result from exposure to battery chemicals.
Cremation. The IPG should be explanted before cremation because the IPG could explode. Return the explanted IPG to Abbott Medical.
Component disposal. Return all explanted components to Abbott Medical for safe disposal. IPGs contain batteries as well as other potentially hazardous materials. Do not crush, puncture, or burn the IPG because explosion or fire may result.
Coagulopathies. Physicians should use extreme care with lead implantation in patients with a heightened risk of intracranial hemorrhage. Physicians should also consider underlying factors, such as previous neurological injury or prescribed medications (anticoagulants), that may predispose a patient to the risk of bleeding.
Low frequencies. Stimulation frequencies at less than 30 Hz may cause tremor to be driven (meaning that tremor occurs at the same frequency as the programmed frequency). For this reason, programming at frequencies less than 30 Hz is not recommended.
IPG placement. The IPG should be placed into the pocket, at a depth not to exceed 4 cm (1.57 in), with the logo side facing toward the skin surface. Placing the IPG deeper than 4 cm (1.57 in) can impede or prohibit IPG communications with the clinician programmer or patient controller.
Return of symptoms and rebound effect. The abrupt cessation of stimulation for any reason will probably cause disease symptoms to return. In some cases, symptoms may return with a greater intensity than what a patient experienced before system implantation (rebound effect). In rare cases, this can create a medical emergency.
Precautions
The following precautions apply to this neurostimulation system.
General Precautions
Surgeon training. Implanting physicians should be experienced in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery.
Clinician training. Clinicians should be familiar with deep brain stimulation therapy and be experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of the indication for which the deep brain stimulation components are being used.
Patient selection. Select patients appropriately for deep brain stimulation. The patient should be able and willing to use the patient controller and correctly interpret the icons and messages that appear on the screen.
Especially consider the following additional factors when selecting patients:
Infection. Follow proper infection control procedures. Infections may require that the device be explanted.
Electromagnetic interference (EMI). Some equipment in home, work, medical, and public environments can generate EMI that is strong enough to interfere with the operation of a neurostimulation system or damage system components. Patients should avoid getting too close to these types of EMI sources, which include the following examples:
Security, antitheft, and radiofrequency identification (RFID) devices. Some antitheft devices, such as those used at entrances or exits of department stores, libraries, and other public places, and airport security screening devices may affect stimulation. Additionally, RFID devices, which are often used to read identification badges, as well as some tag deactivation devices, such as those used at payment counters at stores and loan desks at libraries, may also affect stimulation.
Patients should cautiously approach such devices and should request help to bypass them. If they must go through or near a gate or doorway containing this type of device, patients should move quickly and then check their IPG to determine if it is turned on or off.
Unauthorized changes to stimulation parameters. Caution patients to not make unauthorized changes to physician-established stimulation parameters.
Damage to shallow implants. Falling and other traumatic accidents can damage shallowly implanted components such as the leads and extensions.
Keep programmers and controllers dry. The clinician programmer and patient controller are not waterproof. Keep them dry to avoid damage. Advise patients to not use the patient controller when engaging in activities that might cause it to get wet, such as swimming or bathing.
Handle the programmers and controllers with care. The clinician programmer and patient controllers are sensitive electronic devices that can be damaged by rough handling, such as dropping them on the ground.
Battery care. Batteries can explode, leak, or melt if disassembled, shorted (when battery connections contact metal), or exposed to high temperature or fire.
Long-term safety and effectiveness. The long-term safety and effectiveness of this neurostimulation system has not been established beyond 5 years. Safety and effectiveness has not been established for patients with a neurological disease other than Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor, previous surgical ablation procedures, dementia, coagulopathies, or moderate to severe depression; patients under 22 years; implantation in targets other than the STN for Parkinson's disease and the VIM for essential tremor; patients with an active implantable device; patients requiring MRI.
Sterilization And Storage
Single-use, sterile device. The implanted components of this neurostimulation system are intended for a single use only. Sterile components in this kit have been sterilized using ethylene oxide (EtO) gas before shipment and are supplied in sterile packaging to permit direct introduction into the sterile field. Do not resterilize or reimplant an explanted system for any reason.
Storage environment. Store components and their packaging where they will not come in contact with liquids of any kind. Detailed information on storage environment is provided in the appendix of this manual.
Handling And Implantation
Expiration date. An expiration date (or “use-before” date) is printed on the packaging. Do not use the system if the use-before date has expired.
Care and handling of components. Use extreme care when handling system components. Excessive heat, excessive traction, excessive bending, excessive twisting, or the use of sharp instruments may damage and cause failure of the components.
Package or component damage. Do not implant a device if the sterile package or components show signs of damage, if the sterile seal is ruptured, or if contamination is suspected for any reason. Return any suspect components to Abbott Medical for evaluation.
Exposure to body fluids or saline. Prior to connection, exposure of the metal contacts, such as those on the connection end of a lead or extension, to body fluids or saline can lead to corrosion. If such exposure occurs, clean the affected parts with sterile, deionized water or sterile water for irrigation, and dry them completely prior to lead connection and implantation.
Skin erosion. To avoid the risk of skin erosion, implant components at the appropriate depth and inform patients to avoid touching their skin where components are implanted. The IPG should be placed into the pocket, at a depth not to exceed 4.0 cm (1.57 in), with the logo side facing toward the skin surface.
System testing. To ensure correct operation, always test the system during the implant procedure, before closing the neurostimulator pocket, and before the patient leaves the surgery suite.
Device modification. The equipment is not serviceable by the customer. To prevent injury or damage to the system, do not modify the equipment. If needed, return the equipment to Abbott Medical for service.
Multiple leads. When multiple leads are implanted, route the lead extensions so the area between them is minimized. If the lead extensions are routed in a loop, the loop will increase the potential for electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Abandoned leads and replacement leads. The long-term safety associated with multiple implants, leads left in place without use, replacement of leads, multiple implants into the target structure, and lead explant is unknown.
Placement of lead connection in neck. The lead-extension connector should not be placed in the soft tissues of the neck due to an increased incidence of lead fracture.
Hospital And Medical Environments
Electrical medical treatment. In the case that a medical treatment is administered where an electrical current is passed through the body from an external source, first deactivate the IPG by setting all electrodes to off, turning stimulation off, and setting amplitude to zero. Regardless if the device is deactivated, take care to monitor the device for proper function during and after treatment.
High-output ultrasonics and lithotripsy. The use of high-output devices, such as an electrohydraulic lithotriptor, may cause damage to the electronic circuitry of an implanted IPG. If lithotripsy must be used, do not focus the energy near the IPG.
Ultrasonic scanning equipment. The use of ultrasonic scanning equipment may cause mechanical damage to an implanted neurostimulation system if used directly over the implanted system.
External defibrillators. The safety of discharge of an external defibrillator on patients with implanted neurostimulation systems has not been established.
Therapeutic radiation. Therapeutic radiation may damage the electronic circuitry of an implanted neurostimulation system, although no testing has been done and no definite information on radiation effects is available. Sources of therapeutic radiation include therapeutic X rays, cobalt machines, and linear accelerators. If radiation therapy is required, the area over the implanted IPG should be shielded with lead. Damage to the system may not be immediately detectable.
Electrocardiograms. Ensure the neurostimulator is off before initiating an electrocardiogram (ECG). If the neurostimulator is on during an ECG, the ECG recording may be adversely affected, resulting in inaccurate ECG results. Inaccurate ECG results may lead to inappropriate treatment of the patient.
Home And Occupational Environments
Patient activities and environmental precautions. Patients should take reasonable care to avoid devices that generate strong EMI, which may cause the neurostimulation system to unintentionally turn on or off. Patients should also avoid any activities that would be potentially unsafe if their symptoms were to return unexpectedly. These activities include but are not limited to climbing ladders and operating potentially dangerous machinery, power tools, and vehicles. Sudden loss of stimulation may cause patients to fall or lose control of equipment or vehicles, injure others, or bring injury upon themselves.
Control of the patient controller. Advise patients to keep the patient controller away from children and pets in order to avoid potential damage or other hazards.
Activities requiring excessive twisting or stretching. Patients should avoid activities that may put undue stress on the implanted components of the neurostimulation system. Activities that include sudden, excessive or repetitive bending, twisting, or stretching can cause component fracture or dislodgement. Component fracture or dislodgement may result in loss of stimulation, intermittent stimulation, stimulation at the fracture site, and additional surgery to replace or reposition the component.
Activities requiring coordination. Loss of coordination is a potential side effect of DBS therapy. Patients should exercise reasonable caution when participating in activities that require coordination, including those that they were able to perform prior to receiving DBS therapy (for example, swimming).
Bathing. Patients should exercise reasonable caution when bathing.
Component manipulation by patient. Advise your patient to avoid manipulating the implanted system components (e.g., the neurostimulator, the burr hole site). This can result in component damage, lead dislodgement, skin erosion, or stimulation at the implant site. Manipulation may cause device inversion, inhibiting the ability to use the magnet to start or stop stimulation.
Scuba diving or hyperbaric chambers. Patients should not dive below 30 m (100 ft) of water or enter hyperbaric chambers above 4.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA). Pressures below 30 m (100 ft) of water (or above 4.0 ATA) could damage the neurostimulation system. Before diving or using a hyperbaric chamber, patients should discuss the effects of high pressure with their physician.
Skydiving, skiing, or hiking in the mountains. High altitudes should not affect the neurostimulator; however, the patient should consider the movements involved in any planned activity and take precautions to avoid putting undue stress on the implanted system. Patients should be aware that during skydiving, the sudden jerking that occurs when the parachute opens may cause lead dislodgement or fractures, which may require surgery to repair or replace the lead.
Wireless use restrictions. In some environments, the use of wireless functions (e.g., Bluetooth® wireless technology) may be restricted. Such restrictions may apply aboard airplanes, near explosives, or in hazardous locations. If you are unsure of the policy that applies to the use of this device, please ask for authorization to use it before turning it on. (Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.)
Mobile phones. The effect of mobile phones on deep brain stimulation is unknown. Patients should be advised to avoid carrying mobile phones in their shirt pocket or otherwise placing them directly over the deep brain stimulation system components. If interference occurs, try holding the phone to the other ear or turning off the phone.
Household appliances. Household appliances that contain magnets (e.g., refrigerators, freezers, inductive cooktops, stereo speakers, mobile telephones, cordless telephones, standard wired telephones, AM/FM radios, and some power tools) may unintentionally cause the neurostimulation system to turn on or turn off.
Therapeutic magnets. Patients should be advised to not use therapeutic magnets. Therapeutic magnets (e.g., magnets used in pillows, mattress pads, back belts, knee braces, wrist bands, and insoles) may unintentionally cause the neurostimulation system to turn on or off.
Adverse Effects
Deep brain stimulation potentially has the following adverse effects:
Possible surgical complications. Surgical complications include, but are not limited to, the following:
Possible deep brain stimulation complications. Deep brain stimulation complications include, but are not limited to, the following:
21 CR 801.109(b) The label of the device, other than surgical instruments, bears:
(1) The symbol statement “Rx only” or “℞ only” or the statement “Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a ___”, the blank to be filled with the word “physician”, “dentist”, “veterinarian”, or with the descriptive designation of any other practitioner licensed by the law of the State in which the practitioner practices to use or order the use of the device; and
(2) The method of its application or use.
72784 MAT-2215217 v2.0 | Item approved for U.S. use only.
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