Hospital da Luz announces the implementation of Nexstim nTMS* ( Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ) at Hospital da Luz Lisboa, an advanced functional brain mapping solution that enables the non-invasive identification of brain areas responsible for critical functions such as movement and language before brain surgery is performed. The new platform represents a significant enhancement of Hospital da Luz Lisboa's technological capabilities in the field of Neurosciences , providing patients with a more personalized, precise and safer approach to the treatment of complex neurological conditions. In addition to brain mapping prior to neurosurgery, the Nexstim platform will also be used in neuromodulation programs within the fields of Neurology, Psychiatry and Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine . Its clinical applications include the treatment of depression resistant to pharmacological therapy and certain forms of chronic neuropathic pain, including post-stroke pain, phantom limb pain and complex regional pain syndromes. A breakthrough for critical brain areas Combined with the Brainlab neuronavigation platform Curve® already in use in the operating theatre at Hospital da Luz Lisboa, and the only hospital in Portugal with intraoperative MRI, the Nexstim system combines anatomical and functional information for surgical planning and intraoperative guidance, enabling neurosurgeons to better understand the relationship between a brain lesion and the areas responsible for essential functions. This information provides valuable support for clinical decision-making and the definition of the most appropriate surgical strategy for each case, as well as more efficient discussion with patients regarding goals, risks and benefits. The technology is particularly important in the treatment of brain tumors, metastases and vascular malformations located in eloquent areas of the brain , where the goal is not only the removal of the lesion but also the preservation of motor skills, language and other neurological functions that are fundamental to patients’ quality of life. International studies have shown that the use of preoperative functional mapping can contribute to improved clinical outcomes and greater surgical precision, while in some cases helping to redefine the therapeutic strategy itself. "Innovation is part of Hospital da Luz's DNA. The introduction of this technology represents another step in our strategy to develop a center of excellence in Neurosciences, providing patients with solutions that support more informed clinical decisions, safer surgeries and increasingly personalized therapeutic approaches. At the same time, this investment strengthens our ability to offer differentiated care and to sustainably incorporate innovation into clinical practice, while enabling valuable applications in the treatment of other serious conditions in fields such as psychiatry and physical and rehabilitation medicine”, says Domingos Coiteiro, Head of Neurosurgery at Hospital da Luz Lisboa Technology with applications across multiple clinical areas: from pain to depression The Nexstim platform will also enable Hospital da Luz Lisboa to offer neuromodulation treatments within the fields of Psychiatry and Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. “Its clinical applications include the therapy of treatment-resistant depression, chronic neuropathic pain and post-surgical paresis. In addition to clinical use, the new device will enable high-accuracy and high-precision research on other pathologies, such as OCD, Anxiety and PTSD The magnetic stimulation technology on which Nexstim is based also has important applications in the treatment of chronic pain , particularly refractory neuropathic pain, phantom limb pain, facial pain and post-stroke pain, among other conditions. "We are delighted to partner with Hospital da Luz on the introduction of the first Nexstim NBS System 6 in Portugal. This installation brings the latest generation of navigated TMS to mainland Portugal, supporting innovation in neurosurgery, psychiatry, rehabilitation and neurological research. Access to navigated TMS technology can empower clinicians, help improve treatment planning, enhance patient care and support the delivery of highly accurate and reproducible neuromodulation therapies” - Tobias Beetz, Director Sales Iberica Brainlab.
