A speech pathologist from Long Island, Dawn Steiner, shared that an innovative bioimplant has effectively halted her severe rheumatoid arthritis, which she described as “terrifying.”
At 58 years old, Steiner recounted that even simple actions, like shaking hands, would trigger pain. After enduring this for 15 years, she had adjusted to a life filled with limitations.
“My husband had to help me get dressed,” she explained.
“I couldn’t wash my hair. I couldn’t take a shower by myself.”
Fortunately, the new bioimplant has surprisingly balanced her condition with minimal invasiveness and somewhat constant stimulation. It’s connected to her vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role linking the brain to various organs and functions.
“We are dedicated to delivering a wide range of services,” said Dr. Kevin Tracy, president and CEO of Feinstein Medical Research at Northwell.
“The vagus nerve sends signals that can reduce inflammation… it’s akin to stepping on the brakes of your car.”
Co-founded by Tracy, SetPoint Medical developed a bioimplant smaller than a quarter, strategically placed near Steiner’s vagus nerve in her neck.
Reflecting on her experience, Steiner noted, “My pain was at eight out of ten, and now it’s just one.” She believes the device, which utilizes AI technology, has been life-changing and has been in operation for about a year.
“I really think this is the future.”
Touching the Nerves
This FDA-approved method began clinical trials in 2023, involving 242 Americans, with Steiner participating because she felt there were no other options left.
“We are huge Mets fans, and there was a season when I couldn’t attend a single game,” she recalled.
There were weekends when she would go to bed right after work, often sleeping on the sofa.
Prior to receiving the implant, Steiner was prescribed methotrexate, a treatment comparable to low-dose chemotherapy.
She experimented with eight different biologic drugs, which required lengthy injection processes and posed severe risks, including cancer and death.
Ultimately, her condition deteriorated to where specialists considered multiple sclerosis.
“They’d tell me it could take up to six months for noticeable effects,” she noted, describing the ongoing agony during that time.
After joining the trial last year, experiencing a breaking point, she decided to undergo a surgical procedure that lasted only an hour under Dr. Ashushmeta from Northwell.
“The uncertainties of this option felt less daunting than the medications I had struggled with,” she said.
“Pioneering Advance”
Tracy explained that these high-tech implants rely on antennas that connect to doctors’ tablets, allowing for two-way measurements and adjustments every six weeks. The implant itself needs replacement every decade.
“It’s a significant advancement, a pioneering step forward in treatment for those who urgently need it,” said Tracy, who has recently published a book about the vagus nerve titled “The Great Nerve.”
Steiner occasionally feels a mild buzz from the implant during daily life; she sets it to 5 a.m. as a sort of biological alarm clock, which is usually not noticeable otherwise.
It can be recharged with a band, lighter than a bar of soap, which she wears for about 30 minutes weekly.
“I keep it around my neck on Sunday mornings while I cook and do chores,” she mentioned.
Now, Steiner is back to attending Mets games at Citifield, catching her favorite band, the Foo Fighters, in concert, and enjoying walks on the beach.
With early positive outcomes, Tracy is hopeful that the FDA will soon approve the implants for broader use.
“This could be the way forward,” he said.
