First in Region with Advanced Therapy for Drug Resistant Epilepsy

St. Luke’s Neurosciences is first in the region to offer an advanced therapy for drug resistant epilepsy: the FDA-approved NeuroPace® Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS®) System.

The first RNS System implantation at St. Luke’s was successfully performed at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem by stereotactic neurosurgeon Dr. Brice Kessler, in collaboration with Dr. Brian Hanrahan, epileptologist. The milestone procedure marks a significant advancement in personalized care for adult patients whose seizures are not controlled with medication alone.

St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem offers a comprehensive epilepsy program and is designated as a Level 3 Epilepsy Center by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC), exemplifying St. Luke’s University Health Network’s overall excellence. In a 2025 study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, St. Luke’s achieved the highest quality score of the nation’s recognized top three high performing health systems.

The RNS System is a first-of-its-kind, brain-responsive technology that continuously monitors brain activity and delivers targeted stimulation to interrupt abnormal electrical patterns before a seizure occurs. Unlike traditional epilepsy treatments, which may involve medication or removal of brain tissue, the RNS System offers a minimally invasive and highly individualized approach.

“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 added, “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.”

The addition of the NeuroPace RNS System strengthens St. Luke’s multidisciplinary approach to neurological disorders, bringing together experts in neurosurgery, neurology and advanced diagnostics to improve patient outcomes.