by JoJo Platt, senior contributing editor

Electromagnetic interference has long been a hidden threat in the world of neuromodulation devices. From MRI scans and electrosurgery to everyday household appliances, EMI-emitting technology can disrupt or damage implants designed to treat Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and chronic pain. Real-world incidents, including MRI-induced overheating and device malfunctions that trigger cardiac events, have underscored the seriousness of these risks. Synergia Medical emerged to address this escalating issue by pioneering a new generation of neurostimulation technology that replaces traditional metal components with optoelectronic systems, thereby greatly reducing susceptibility to EMI.

Founders with a Multidisciplinary Vision Synergia Medical was co-founded in 2014 by Attila Borbath and Pascal Doguet, whose complementary skill sets shaped the company’s unique approach. Borbath’s background in business administration, engineering, and finance equipped him with the strategic acumen to secure funding and forge partnerships. Doguet’s Ph.D. in electronics and expertise in custom integrated circuits provided the technical foundation for the company’s optoelectronic platform. Together, they combined practical experience in entrepreneurship, engineering, and medical technology—a synergy that would come to define the organization’s philosophy and name.

“Synergia”: A Name with Purpose The company name, “Synergia,” encapsulates its core guiding principle: collaboration across diverse disciplines and technologies. By uniting optics and electronics to create a pioneering optoelectronic neurostimulation device, Synergia aims to spur radical innovation in a field still dominated by legacy metal-based implants. This ethos of synergy extends to every facet of product development—from the close involvement of clinicians in device testing to the emphasis on patient-focused care.

Breaking Ground with NAO Technology At the center of Synergia’s breakthrough is NAO (Neuromodulation Advanced with Optoelectronics), which eliminates many of the well-known problems of metal-based implants. Instead of metallic enclosures and wiring, NAO devices use glass encapsulation and plastic optical fibers to transmit light signals that a miniature photovoltaic cell then converts into electrical impulses. The result is a system inherently more resistant to EMI. By removing metal from the design, Synergia mitigates issues ranging from unintended deactivation to harmful overheating, particularly in environments loaded with electromagnetic energy such as MRI scanners.

Another advantage is the device’s enhanced inductive charging efficiency. Traditional implants encased in metal can be challenging to recharge, often requiring uncomfortable or time-consuming sessions. By using glass and plastic, Synergia’s device reduces charging time and wear on the patient. This new design aims to increase safety, extend device life, and generally improve the quality of neuromodulation therapy.

Revolutionizing VNS for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Synergia’s first clinical application targets vagus nerve stimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy. Traditional VNS devices carry significant drawbacks, including MRI exclusion zones and limited battery life. Because people with DRE commonly need frequent imaging for coexisting conditions like tuberous sclerosis complex or neurofibromatosis type 1, the MRI incompatibilities of older implants can prove extremely limiting. In many cases, patients cannot undergo vital diagnostic scans—or they face risky workarounds that complicate care.

Frequent battery replacements for traditional VNS implants also pose a surgical burden and increase risks such as infection, hematoma, and vocal cord damage. By introducing an implant with a 15-year battery life that requires only one minute of daily charging, Synergia dramatically reduces the number of invasive procedures patients face. Moreover, a single cuff electrode replaces the standard three helical electrodes, simplifying both placement and potential removal. This approach not only streamlines patient care but also preserves surgeons’ ability to use electrocautery, which can otherwise damage metal-based implants.