Location: United States and Switzerland
The small device sits behind the ear and uses neuromodulation to reduce symptoms during active withdrawal.
The current opioid epidemic is a growing problem in many places around the world. According to the World Health Organisation, 70% of deaths related to drug-use are caused by opioids. Under 10% of the people who require treatment for their opioid dependence are receiving it.
Treatment for opioid dependence to reduce the likelihood of an overdose can be expensive and resource-intensive, so areas around the world struggle with the growing demand. In order to ensure more people can access the help they need, more forms of effective treatment would be beneficial.
Masimo has developed a non-surgical, drug-free option for reducing the symptoms brought on by opioid withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms are a frequent cause for patients to fear the process of beginning treatment as they can include pain, chills, muscle cramps, vomiting, and tremors. Bridge, Masimo’s device, takes little time to place behind the ear and can begin working in 20 minutes. Each device lasts for five days, and it uses neuromodulation – Here, gentle electrical signals are sent to the brain to reduce the unwanted experiences.
The device can be used in various stages of a treatment plan – At the beginning, whilst initiating changes to medication, and when stopping medication-assisted treatment. The ability to make transition periods more comfortable for patients can help them through the whole process. A small research study with the device found that 88% of users progressed onto the medication-assisted program after using bridge.
Website: https://www.masimo.com/products/Therapy/bridge/
Email: customerorders@masimo.com
Image: Masimo
