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Released nationwide today
Seniors With Chronic Pain May Find Help in New Small
SCS System
 March
29, 2005 Among the things that make growing old a challenge is
chronic pain - an ailment that inflicts many senior citizens. A new
technology was released today, however, that the manufacturer claims can
provide many chronic pain sufferers a treatment option that is
comfortable, long lasting and effective.
Boston Scientific Corporation today announced the
nationwide release of the Precision Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) System
and says it is the world's smallest and first rechargeable SCS.
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), the Precision SCS System treats chronic pain by precisely
delivering tiny electrical signals to the spinal cord that mask pain
signals as they travel to the brain, creating instead a tingling
sensation called paresthesia. Spinal cord stimulation is prescribed for
patients with chronic pain in the limbs, trunk and back who have not
received adequate pain relief from physical therapy, pain medications,
prior surgeries or other methods.
"The Precision System has been years in the making
and is truly a breakthrough in technology," said Jeff Greiner, President
and Co-CEO, Advanced Bionics, a subsidiary of Boston Scientific focused
on developing innovative implantable neurostimulation technologies.
"More importantly, we now have the ability to make a meaningful
difference in the lives of thousands of pain sufferers."
The Precision SCS System builds on previous
generations of SCS therapy with several new patient benefits, the
company says, including:
*
Smaller Size: The Precision SCS System has
the world's smallest
battery-operated implantable pulse generator (IPG). Its compact
size
enables doctors to surgically place the small implant in more
comfortable and convenient locations in the body.
* Longer Life: The Precision SCS System
features the world's first
rechargeable SCS battery, which offers long-lasting therapy and
enables
fewer battery replacement surgeries.
* Patented Current Steering Technology: Precision(TM) SCS System features
proprietary SCS technology that electrically steers signals in
real
time. This is intended to allow very precise targeting of nerves
carrying pain signals.
"The Precision SCS System has the ability to give
patients the chance for a more normal quality of life," said John
Oakley, M.D., Neurosurgeon with Yellowstone Neurosurgical Associates in
Billings, Montana. "They can expect to experience a significant
reduction in pain medications and their associated side effects, and
enjoy more freedoms most people take for granted."
Patients interested in this breakthrough in pain
management technology should speak to their physicians or visit
http://www.ControlYourPain.com for more information.
Information Source: Boston Scientific is a
worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices whose
products are used in a broad range of interventional medical
specialties. For more information, please visit:
http://www.bostonscientific.com.
Links & Resources for Pain
American Academy of Pain Medicine
(847) 375-4777
www.painmed.org
American Chronic Pain Association
1-916-632-0922
www.theacpa.org
American Pain Foundation
www.painfoundation.org
The National Chronic Pain Society
(281) 357-HOPE (4673)
fax (281) 357-4514
www.ncps-cpr.org
The National Pain Foundation
(303) 756-0889
www.painconnection.org
Pain and Neurological Disorders Information
National Institute of Neurological Disorders
1-800-352-9424
www.ninds.nih.gov
Chronic Pain Mission
www.cpmission.com
Pain Recovery Online
www.painrecoveryonline.com
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