New Epilepsy Pacemaker Implanted in Israel Without Brain Surgery

A groundbreaking new pacemaker for epilepsy treatment, which stimulates seizure foci electrically without opening the skull or inserting electrodes into the brain, has been implanted for the first time in Israel. The procedure was performed at Beilinson Hospital, part of the Clalit Health Services group, by Dr. Idit Tamir, Director of the Functional Neurosurgery Unit.

The device, developed in Germany and used in several European countries, is implanted under the scalp and connected to a battery in the chest. Israel is the first country outside Europe to adopt this technology. It offers a potential alternative for patients with focal epilepsy who do not respond to medication or are unsuitable for surgical removal of the seizure focus.

Olga Moisa, 42, a Ukrainian refugee who has lived with epilepsy for 15 years following a stroke, is the first patient to receive the implant. Her seizures were severe and uncontrolled by medication, and surgery to remove the focus was deemed too risky due to its location near areas controlling her body's right side. "This is the first time we can treat epilepsy patients without penetrating the brain, without inserting an electrode into the brain, and significantly reduce the number of epileptic seizures," stated Dr. Tamir, noting the technology shows results comparable to invasive pacemakers.

Approximately 100,000 people in Israel have epilepsy, with about a third experiencing insufficient seizure control through medication. Professor Felix Benninger, Director of the Epilepsy Treatment Unit, explained that while surgical removal can be effective, it is not suitable for all patients due to risks of damaging vital functions. He also mentioned the vagus nerve stimulator as another option, though it can cause side effects like hoarseness.

Moisa received the implant on August 31st. Her son, Sasha, reported that she has been seizure-free since the surgery, but it is too early to determine long-term effectiveness. The family is cautiously optimistic, hoping for even a 50% reduction in seizures, which would be a significant improvement. Moisa, who previously lived in constant fear of her next seizure, is now considering traveling abroad, something she had avoided due to her condition.