St. Luke’s introduces FDA-approved brain stimulation therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy
St. Luke’s Neurosciences has become the first health system in the region to offer the FDA-approved NeuroPace Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) System, an advanced treatment for adults with drug-resistant epilepsy.
The first implantation of the RNS System at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem was recently performed by stereotactic neurosurgeon Dr. Brice Kessler in collaboration with epileptologist Dr. Brian Hanrahan.
Hospital officials said the procedure marks a significant advancement in personalized treatment for patients whose seizures cannot be controlled with medication alone.
St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem is designated as a Level 3 Epilepsy Center by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers and offers a comprehensive epilepsy program. According to St. Luke’s, the health system also received the highest quality score among the nation’s top three high-performing health systems in a 2025 study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The NeuroPace RNS System continuously monitors brain activity and delivers targeted electrical stimulation when it detects abnormal patterns associated with seizures. Unlike some traditional epilepsy treatments, the device offers a minimally invasive approach that does not require removal of brain tissue.
“The RNS System represents a major step forward in epilepsy management,” said Dr. Kessler. “By using real-time brain monitoring combined with responsive stimulation, we can tailor treatment to each patient and significantly improve quality of life.”
Dr. Hanrahan said the technology provides a new option for patients whose seizures have remained uncontrolled despite medication.
“For patients who have struggled with uncontrolled seizures, this technology offers new hope. It allows us to better understand each patient’s unique seizure patterns and optimize therapy in ways that were not previously possible.”
St. Luke’s said adding the NeuroPace RNS System expands its multidisciplinary approach to treating neurological disorders by bringing together specialists in neurosurgery, neurology and advanced diagnostics to improve patient outcomes.
