Patients Face Uncertainty After Clinical Trials End

Carol Seeger had a brain implant to help her depression. The implant's battery stopped working, and she felt bad again. Her insurance did not pay for a new battery, so she was very sad.

Many people have experimental implants for different problems. These implants can help with walking or depression. It is hard to get the devices fixed after the studies are done.

Gabriel Lázaro-Muñoz wanted to make it easier to get implants fixed. He planned to work with companies and doctors. His project lost money, so it is now in danger of stopping.

Implants need new parts and batteries, unlike medicine. Insurance often pays for approved devices, but not new ones. A battery can cost $15,000 to replace without help from insurance.

Companies should help people with implants after studies are over. It is important to plan for long-term care. Without good plans, people like Carol Seeger may not get the help they need.