HAIKOU, Sept. 2025 — Doctors in Hainan have successfully implanted a next-generation, sensing brain pacemaker with the assistance of a domestically developed surgical robot, marking a major step forward in precision treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

The procedure was carried out by the neurosurgical team led by Ye Fuyue at the The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, on a 57-year-old patient who had been living with Parkinson’s disease for seven years.

A first in Hainan

The surgery marks the first time in the province that a directional deep brain stimulation (DBS) system has been implanted with robotic assistance.

The patient received the Percept™ PC neurostimulator along with the SenSight™ directional lead system—a globally recognized device capable of sensing brain signals and compatible with full-body MRI scans. The system has been approved by regulators in China, the United States, and the European Union.

From limited mobility to renewed independence

Before surgery, the patient’s condition had worsened significantly, with medication providing only short-term relief and severe “on-off” symptoms affecting daily life.

Following the operation and three months of personalized device programming, his condition improved markedly. He is now able to move independently, resume activities such as driving, hiking, and playing table tennis, and no longer relies heavily on family support.

Smarter, more precise treatment

Unlike traditional DBS devices, the sensing neurostimulator can detect and record brain signals linked to symptoms, providing real-time data to guide treatment adjustments.

The directional electrode system allows for targeted stimulation of specific brain regions while minimizing side effects—enabling what doctors describe as “maximized efficacy with minimized adverse impact.”

This technology supports a shift toward personalized, adaptive therapy, where treatment can evolve alongside disease progression.

A new era for Parkinson’s care

Deep brain stimulation has been used globally for more than 35 years and is widely considered a leading surgical treatment for Parkinson’s disease. In China alone, it has benefited over 250,000 patients.

With the integration of sensing technology and robotic precision, clinicians say Parkinson’s treatment is entering a new phase—one defined by real-time feedback and individualized care.

Building a leading treatment center

The hospital is among Hainan’s first institutions to establish a dedicated neurological disease center, with a multidisciplinary team covering neurosurgery, neurology, imaging, and rehabilitation.

Treating more than 1,000 Parkinson’s patients annually, the center continues to expand its capabilities—bringing advanced therapies and new hope to patients across the region.