Dell Seton Medical Center First in Texas to Implant Novel Neuroimmune Modulation Device for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Ascension Seton expands Rheumatoid Arthritis Specialty in Central Texas

Ascension Seton today announced it is the first in Texas and the third hospital in the United States to successfully implant a new neuroimmune modulation device approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) at Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas in Austin. This procedure marks a significant advancement in treatment options for autoimmune diseases, offering a drug-free alternative for adults who are not adequately managed by or cannot tolerate, existing advanced RA therapies.

The minimally invasive procedure involves implanting a small device, comparable in size to a large multivitamin capsule, directly onto the left vagus nerve through a single small incision in the neck. Once activated, it delivers precise electrical doses for one-minute daily to engage and regulate the body's natural inflammatory reflex. This targeted stimulation activates the body's natural anti-inflammatory pathways to help reduce inflammation and restore immunologic balance in people with RA. Once placed, the device provides up to 10 years of automated daily therapy.

"This technology represents a shift in how we approach autoimmune care," said Daniel Peterson, MD FACS, Neurosurgeon at Ascension Medical Group Seton Neurosurgery. "Instead of relying solely on medication, we are utilizing the nervous system to naturally dial down inflammation at its source. This allows us to treat the root cause of the joint pain directly, giving patients an opportunity to reclaim their quality of life without the daily burden of medication."

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling primarily in the hands, wrists, and feet, and often resulting in permanent joint damage. Affecting approximately 1.5 million Americans, RA predominantly impacts women, who form about 75% of patients, with symptoms typically beginning between the ages of 30 and 50, according to the American College of Rheumatology.

"Ascension Seton is committed to bringing the most advanced, research-driven care to the community, and being the first in Texas to provide this therapy reinforces our mission," said John Thresher, Chief Strategy Officer for Ascension Texas. "This advancement showcases Ascension Seton's focus on expanding access with innovative technology that addresses the unmet needs of the patients we serve."

This milestone also highlights the continued expansion of Ascension Seton's comprehensive neurosurgery program. By adding highly specialized local experts like Dr. Peterson to the team, the health system is actively bridging the gap between advanced neurological care and cutting-edge innovations. This growth ensures that patients across Central Texas have access to the most innovative, minimally invasive treatments available.

This announcement follows another recent milestone for the health system, as Ascension Seton has recently performed Austin's first adult next-generation robotic spine procedure at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin. These successive advancements demonstrate Ascension's ongoing commitment to bringing the latest surgical innovations to Central Texas.