A brain implant created using glass packaging from Schott will aid in the treatment of neurological conditions.

Medical technology company Kitea Health has developed a miniaturised brain pressure sensing device through its collaboration with Schott Primoceler.

The device will transform the treatment of neurological conditions such as hydrocephalus, the abnormal buildup of fluid in the brain.

It was implanted in a human brain for the first time in June 2024.

Simon Malpas, CEO of Kitea Health, said: “The outcome of the trials conducted so far give us the confidence that the implant can remain in the brain for the patient's lifetime.”

The device monitors intracranial pressure in real-time, helping prevent severe complications before they occur.

Schott’s Proteon all-glass encapsulation enabled the implant to be reduced to an unprecedented size.

Measuring a few millimetres and weighing 0.3g, it is an entirely wireless device with no built-in battery.

The Proteon packaging solution uses laser techniques without additives or environmental heat, making it ideal for protecting sensitive implant electronics.

Antti Peltonen, Business Development Manager at Schott Primoceler, said: “Our all-glass package can enable a new generation of smart medical devices that can improve patient outcomes while pushing the limits of what’s possible in medical implant designs.

“Nearly one million Proteon housings have already been produced for a range of applications, and we are excited to see what innovations are ahead.”

Kitea Health’s implant provides patients with pressure measurements at home by transmitting data to their smartphones.

This data can be shared with healthcare providers, allowing more informed decision-making and earlier interventions.

Mr Malpas believes this technology will reduce emergency hospital visits and improve the quality of life for patients.

He said: “Our implant is already showing great promise in initial trials.

“We are confident that as we continue to grow and scale, this technology will impact millions of lives around the world."

Kitea Health is conducting clinical trials with 20 patients and plans to expand to 150 patients in 2025.

By 2027, the company expects to secure FDA and CE mark approvals, allowing the device to enter global markets, including Europe, the US, and Asia.