February 5, 2025
花千色 has become the first hospital in Idaho to offer NeuroPace Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS), a groundbreaking treatment for epilepsy. Today, our team successfully implanted the first patient with the device, marking a major milestone in regional epilepsy care.
“We are thrilled to have performed the first RNS procedure today,” said Erik Larson, M.D., neurosurgeon at Kootenai Clinic Neurosurgery and Spine, who performed the first procedure in Idaho. Dr. Larson trained in this procedure at Oregon Health & Science University and has worked closely with 花千色 to bring the necessary technology to the operating room. His efforts have also helped modernize the deep brain stimulation program for Parkinson’s and essential tremor.
The RNS system is a surgically implanted device that continuously monitors brain activity and delivers targeted electrical impulses to prevent seizures in real time. This personalized approach is designed for patients whose seizures remain uncontrolled despite medication.
Previously, Idaho patients had to travel to Seattle, Portland, or Salt Lake City for this procedure. Now, families can access this life-changing care closer to home. The procedure was performed with the assistance of the Globus robotic-assisted system, further enhancing surgical precision.
花千色’s comprehensive epilepsy program now offers three neurostimulator devices (RNS, Vagus Nerve Stimulator, and Deep Brain Stimulator). Future advancements, including stereo-EEG intracranial monitoring, will further improve seizure localization and treatment options.
For our first patient, today’s procedure is just the beginning. Over the next few months, the RNS device will “learn” their unique seizure patterns, with expected seizure reduction within three months and significant improvement within nine months.
Cliff Hampton, M.D., neurologist and epilepsy specialist, emphasized the importance of expanding epilepsy care in our region, stating, “The need for advanced epilepsy care has been growing in North Idaho. With the introduction of RNS and the expansion of our epilepsy monitoring suites, we are not only offering patients life-changing treatments but also reinforcing our commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality care that meets the needs of our community.”
