Belgian patients first in Europe to receive Salvia’s pioneering implant for migraine

By Team IO

The AZ Delta Hospital in Roeselare successfully treated its first patients with a paper-thin implant for severe migraines. This is the second time worldwide and the first time in Europe that the bioelectronic foil, developed by Dutch start-up Salvia BioElectronics, has been implanted. Dr. Bart Billet, a pain specialist at AZ Delta who performed the procedures with his colleagues, emphasizes the hope and new opportunities this implant offers to people with migraines.

“I felt that my migraine improved immediately. I can sleep, laugh, and enjoy life to the fullest again,” says one patient. The 35-year-old woman is so happy with the accompanying small portable device that she even designed a unique bag for it. “I call it my little bag of happiness.”

Migraine affects one in seven people. More than five percent of people with migraine have chronic migraine, with eight or more migraine days per month. Despite recent drug treatments that may benefit a large group of patients, many people living with migraines desperately need effective treatment.

The fight against severe migraines and cluster headaches sees first success with Salvia’s foil implant

A bioelectronic foil implant has given a 29-year-old woman from Australia immediate relief from her severe migraine symptoms.

Paper-thin implant

Salvia BioElectronics was founded in 2017 with a clear mission: to give people with migraine and cluster headaches their lives back. The company is focused on developing flexible bioelectronic foils that offer a promising neuromodulation solution for headaches. “We are restoring balance to the brain,” says Dr. Wim Pollet, Chief Medical Officer of Salvia BioElectronics.

The procedure

The first patients in Belgium were treated at AZ Delta in the province of West Flanders. The hospital’s pain center has a large multi-disciplinary team of pain specialists, nurses, physiotherapists, social workers, psychologists, and others. The patients were treated by Dr. Bart Billet, an innovative pain specialist at AZ Delta, and his colleagues. “We implanted the paper-thin foil under the surface of the skin. We can calm the nerves using mild electrical pulses and prevent and relieve migraines. This is a promising technology to help people with severe headaches.”

However, it’s important to note that clinical trials have only just begun. More research is needed to fully understand the safety and efficacy of Salvia’s device.