HOUSTON, Nov. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- LivaNova PLC
(NASDAQ:LIVN; LSE: LIVN) ("LivaNova" or the "Company"), a
market-leading medical technology and innovation company, today
recognizes that more than one million people in the United States with drug-resistant epilepsy
continue to be treated unsuccessfully with drugs, despite the
proven effectiveness of non-drug treatment options.
LivaNova's VNS Therapy®, for example, is a medical device treatment
specifically designed for people with drug-resistant epilepsy that
is already used by more than 85,000 people around the
world.
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One in three people with epilepsy has the type that is not well
controlled with drugs, called drug-resistant epilepsy. For those
people, prescribing more medicine is usually not the most effective
option. In fact, research shows that if you haven't found seizure
freedom after your first two drugs, there is a 95 percent chance
that no drug or combination of drugs will result in seizure
freedom.
"Despite what we know about drug-resistant epilepsy, the
majority of people affected by this condition will continue to be
prescribed additional medications instead of being evaluated for
surgery or seen in a specialized epilepsy facility," said
Jason Richey, president of
LivaNova's U.S. Region and general manager of the Neuromodulation
Business Franchise. "This treatment gap means over one million
individuals in the U.S. with undertreated epilepsy remain at risk
for dangerous side effects of continued seizures, including injury,
depression, memory issues and death."
"Clinical research proves the long-term positive effects of VNS
Therapy," added Richey. "Knowing lives can be improved is
what drives our work at LivaNova and our desire to bring more
attention to the treatment gap during Epilepsy Awareness
Month."
The goal of VNS Therapy is to prevent seizures before they
start, and stop them if they do. People treated with VNS Therapy
often experience shorter, less severe seizures, as well as fewer
seizures. In addition, clinical trials have shown numerous
quality of life improvements among people treated with VNS Therapy,
including improved mood, alertness, and memory. People with
VNS Therapy also report gaining an average of 32 more working days
per year, spending less time caring for health problems, and
worrying less about seizures.
Eighteen-year-old Johnny
Escolero, for example, has noticed a marked improvement in
both the number and duration of seizures he experiences – which has
led to an overall improvement in concentration, confidence and
independence. Prior to receiving VNS Therapy, Johnny was having
multiple seizures per day. Anti-epileptic medications could not
control his seizures – which could last up to 45 minutes.
"Johnny was young when he was diagnosed with a rare form of
epilepsy," said Olga Espinoza,
Johnny's mother. "Despite medications, his seizures were still
uncontrolled. It wasn't until Johnny's doctor told us about VNS
Therapy that we were able to find relief. Since his procedure,
Johnny's seizures have decreased to one every few months, and they
are much less severe. He feels more confident and
independent, and has returned to technical college full-time. VNS
Therapy has done so much for Johnny – it's given him his life
back."
Epilepsy Awareness Month is a time to focus on the treatment
needs of all people with seizures, including those with
drug-resistant epilepsy, according to Philip Gattone, president and CEO of the
Epilepsy Foundation. "Individuals with uncontrolled seizures
need access to new therapies and meaningful support. The Epilepsy
Foundation is committed to ensuring all people with epilepsy are
able to enjoy a greater quality of life, including those people
impacted by the treatment gap," states Gattone.
Individual results may vary. To hear from more real patients
with real stories, visit www.Facebook.com/VNSTherapyForEpilepsy or
www.SeizureControl.com.
About VNS Therapy for Epilepsy
VNS Therapy is a proven treatment designed to prevent seizures
before they occur and stop them when they do. It is a unique
treatment approach developed specifically for people with
drug-resistant epilepsy, a condition that affects one in three
people with epilepsy. For more information, visit
www.VNSTherapy.com or www.SeizureControl.com.
About LivaNova
LivaNova PLC is a global medical technology company formed by
the merger of Sorin S.p.A, a leader in the treatment of
cardiovascular diseases, and Cyberonics Inc., a medical device
company with core expertise in neuromodulation. LivaNova
transforms medical innovation into meaningful solutions for the
benefit of patients, healthcare professionals, and healthcare
systems. The Company employs approximately 4,600 employees
worldwide and is headquartered in London,
U.K.
INTENDED USE/INDICATION
The VNS Therapy system is indicated for use as an adjunctive
therapy in reducing the frequency of seizures in adults and
adolescents over 12 years of age with partial onset seizures that
are refractory to antiepileptic medications. Individual results may
vary. Common side effects include hoarseness or changes in voice
tone, prickling feeling in the skin, shortness of breath, sore
throat and coughing. Visit
www.VNSTherapy.com/important-safety-information to view safety and
full prescribing information.
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SOURCE LivaNova PLC