What is spinal cord stimulation (SCS)?
Spinal cord stimulation is a proven, non-opioid, FDA-approved way to manage chronic pain that may be caused by DPN. SCS works by disrupting the pain signals traveling between the spinal cord and the brain.
How SCS works
Stimulation is delivered by a neurostimulator, a device similar to a pacemaker, implanted under the skin. The impulses travel from the device to the spine over thin insulated wires called leads. The leads deliver mild electrical impulses to an area near the spine. By interrupting pain signals between your patient’s spinal cord and their brain, the stimulator may help your patient get back to doing the everyday things they love most.
Potential benefits of SCS
• Patients living with DPN are 17 times more likely to experience significant pain relief if treated with SCS compared to conventional treatment. (*1,2,3)
• 86% of patients experienced treatment success after receiving SCS therapy for 1-year.(*4)
• Proven long-term therapy for managing chronic pain. The majority of patients experiencing meaningful pain relief through 5 years of treatment with SCS. (*4)
• An average reduction in pain of 53% at 6 months. (*1)
Understand the risks
Risks include infection, lead movement, pain at the implant site, and loss of therapy effectiveness. Not everyone responds to SCS in the same way, and your patients’ experiences may vary. Risk of infection and severity of complications may be greater in diabetic patients.
Consider a preoperative risk assessment to determine if patients are healthy enough for surgery.
Monitor patients glucose levels.
Review the Important Safety Information at the back of this booklet for additional risk and safety information.
Why Medtronic SCS for moderate to severe DPN pain?
As a global leader in medical technology, with over 40 years of SCS experience, Medtronic paved the way in pain relief and continues to innovate and provide options that reduce pain and restore function. Medtronic offers you and your patient resources and support throughout your journey to pain relief.
There are a number of SCS system choices and therapy options that can benefit your patient. Rest assured that Medtronic can provide you and your patient with each of these important features:
Test drive
Short screening trial allows you and your patients to assess their response to SCS prior to device implantation.
Unrestricted, full-body MRI access
Medtronic offers full-body MRI access on all SCS devices* . Your Medtronic SCS system will never hold your patient back from getting a scan anywhere on their body if they need it.
Personalized pain relief
Your patient’s therapy can be customized to help them manage their pain. One therapy setting your clinician may choose to use is called AdaptiveStim™ technology which personalizes pain relief by sensing changes in their body position. Whether your patient is standing, lying on their side or in any of seven unique body positions, AdaptiveStim™ technology automatically tailors stimulation to manage pain. Only available on Medtronic devices.
• Delivers personalized stimulation based on 7 unique
body positions
• Increases or decreases stimulation to provide
personalized pain relief
• Tracks your patient’s daily movement to help you assess
their progress and, if needed, adjust their settings
• 88.7%* of patients with spinal cord stimulation implants
report better pain relief with AdaptiveStim™ technology
vs. conventional stimulation (*1,5)
TYRX™ Neuro Absorbable
Antibacterial Envelope
The TYRX™ Neuro Absorbable Antibacterial Envelope is a fully absorbable antibacterial envelope for implantable neurostimulator (INS) devices like spinal cord stimulators. The surgical mesh envelope contains two powerful antibiotics — minocycline and rifampin. It is designed to stabilize the device and help reduce the risk of infection and infection-related costs.
Medtronic SCS devices
Try spinal cord stimulation (SCS) first:
Trial procedure A Medtronic SCS trial helps you and your patient assess how well an SCS device may relieve their pain.
The Medtronic SCS trial system lets you and your patient “test drive” how SCS therapy may improve their daily activities without requiring them to have the SCS device implanted.
- The trial procedure allows your patient to test drive the therapy. This takes about 30 to 90 minutes and is usually done in a doctor’s office or day surgery center.
- A trial procedure is temporary and requires no commitment.
- By using an external stimulator, the patient can try the therapy for up to 10 days without having to undergo the implant procedure first
What to expect
1. The doctor will place the temporary leads (thin, flexible wires) under the skin in an area near the patient’s spine using a small insertion device. Local anesthetic numbs the area.
2. As stimulation is applied during the trial procedure, the doctor will ask the patient how they feel to help determine the ideal location for the leads.
3. The leads are connected to an external, battery-operated neurostimulator, which will be attached in an adhesive pouch or
taped to the patient’s back during the trial.
These steps may vary depending
on the doctor.
he Medtronic trial system
Mild electrical pulses from the external neurostimulator travel through the temporary leads to the area near the patient’s spinal cord. The handheld therapy manager allows your patient to adjust the stimulation during the trial. This lets them experience different therapy settings and adjust the therapy based on their pain relief (or experience different therapy settings and adjust the therapy to their satisfaction).
For patients who experience chronic pain due to DPN and have not been satisfied by the levels of relief provided by oral pain medication, creams or ointments, or other pain treatments, spinal cord stimulation can provide a new approach. Medtronic can help you bring this therapy to patients looking for solutions.
Advanced Pain Management
When chronic pain disrupts your life, finding effective relief is crucial. Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement is an advanced procedure that offers hope for patients dealing with persistent pain, particularly patients with painful diabetic neuropathy.
How Does Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement Work?
During the procedure, a small device is implanted beneath the skin, which emits electrical impulses directed towards the spinal cord. These impulses disrupt the transmission of pain signals to the brain, providing relief from chronic pain conditions that have not responded to traditional treatments. The stimulator can be programmed to meet the patient’s unique needs, offering precise control over pain management. This advanced technique not only reduces pain but also enhances the patient’s overall quality of life by improving mobility and physical functioning.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant (Trial Procedure)
Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant
Effective Pain Management
Spinal cord stimulators can alleviate chronic pain when other treatments have failed.
Improved Quality of Life
Reduced pain often leads to better daily functioning and well-being.
Non-Opioid Option
Provides an alternative to opioid-based pain management.
Customized Care
The treatment is tailored to your unique pain patterns.
Why Choose VIP SPECIALISTS for Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement?
Our experienced physicians at VIP SPECIALISTS are dedicated to improving your quality of life by effectively managing chronic pain. We use advanced technology and techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes. If you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, contact us today for a consultation.
