Abbott's deep brain stimulation device was awarded the FDA's breakthrough device designation for treatment-resistant depression, Abbott said July 27.
Treatment-resistant depression accounts for about 17 percent of depressed individuals in the U.S. To be diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, a person must have not experienced an adequate decrease in depressive symptoms after at least four medication regimens.
Abbott's deep brain stimulation uses wires — or leads — in certain areas of the brain to send electrical impulses that can affect brain activity.
The company's Infinity DBS System was approved as a treatment for Parkinson's disease and tremors and has now been given the FDA breakthrough device designation for use on patients with treatment-resistant depression, according to Abbott.