Local doctors push opioid alternative

It’s called “The Morph.”A device temporarily implanted behind a person’s ear that can help with people’s suffering.”I think there is effective technology out there with these neuromodulation devices that can be very effective and helpful to people,” said Dr. Bryant George.A Metairie-based neurosurgeon, George, is behind the device, given Food and Drug Administration clearance in 2018 to treat opioid withdrawals.”The Morph device is not a cure for opioid addiction, I want to make that clear, it’s a cure for withdrawal symptoms and that’s the key to get them to the next stage of treatment,” George said.Here’s how it works.The Morph is implanted behind a person’s ear and it stimulates the cranial nerves in the ear to aid in the reduction of withdrawal symptoms.It’s 100 percent drug and opioid-free.”It’s the fix that everyone wants to cure this opioid addiction problem we’re dealing with,” said Dr. Dennis Tracey.Tracey’s company, Big Easy Medical, is helping to try and distribute the device, pitching it as an alternative to opioids for medical professionals.”They are definitely on the forefront, there is only one other company in the country that is doing this — so it’s put New Orleans and the medical community here on the forefront,” Tracey said.Which is needed — as opioid deaths and the use of fentanyl in opioids is on the rise.Around 70% of overdose deaths in Louisiana involve opioids, and in recent years — opioid-related fatalities outpace firearms and motor vehicle deaths.”Is this a positive stop to curb the problem in this state?” asked WDSU’s Travers Mackel. “I think so many people are using opioids and are stuck in this state of addiction because of the withdrawal symptoms,” George said.

METAIRIE, La. —

It’s called “The Morph.”

A device temporarily implanted behind a person’s ear that can help with people’s suffering.

“I think there is effective technology out there with these neuromodulation devices that can be very effective and helpful to people,” said Dr. Bryant George.

A Metairie-based neurosurgeon, George, is behind the device, given Food and Drug Administration clearance in 2018 to treat opioid withdrawals.

“The Morph device is not a cure for opioid addiction, I want to make that clear, it’s a cure for withdrawal symptoms and that’s the key to get them to the next stage of treatment,” George said.

Here’s how it works.

The Morph is implanted behind a person’s ear and it stimulates the cranial nerves in the ear to aid in the reduction of withdrawal symptoms.

It’s 100 percent drug and opioid-free.

“It’s the fix that everyone wants to cure this opioid addiction problem we’re dealing with,” said Dr. Dennis Tracey.

Tracey’s company, Big Easy Medical, is helping to try and distribute the device, pitching it as an alternative to opioids for medical professionals.

“They are definitely on the forefront, there is only one other company in the country that is doing this — so it’s put New Orleans and the medical community here on the forefront,” Tracey said.

Which is needed — as opioid deaths and the use of fentanyl in opioids is on the rise.

Around 70% of overdose deaths in Louisiana involve opioids, and in recent years — opioid-related fatalities outpace firearms and motor vehicle deaths.

“Is this a positive stop to curb the problem in this state?” asked WDSU’s Travers Mackel. “I think so many people are using opioids and are stuck in this state of addiction because of the withdrawal symptoms,” George said.

No Byline Policy

Editorial Guidelines

Corrections Policy

Source