Expert review of medical devices
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Expert Rev Med Devices · Mar 2021
Multicenter Study Observational StudyA novel fast-acting sub-perception spinal cord stimulation therapy enables rapid onset of analgesia in patients with chronic pain.
Background: Treating chronic pain using sub-perception Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) does not elicit paresthesia but is associated with long analgesic 'wash-in' (i.e. duration until maximum pain relief) and prolonged assessment of therapy. We describe the attainment of clinically meaningful and rapid-onset analgesic outcomes using a novel sub-perception SCS approach. Methods: This observational case-series evaluated patients implanted with an SCS device for chronic pain, who underwent re-programming utilizing a new methodology in which paresthesia was used to guide sub-perception stimulation field targeting at specific parameters including charge-balanced symmetrical pulses at 90 Hz (termed Fast-Acting Sub-Perception Therapy, FAST). ⋯ At last follow up (mean = 223 ± 132 days), a pain score of 1.6 ± 0.3, n = 30 was determined. Conclusions: After FAST implementation, a profound analgesic response, requiring substantially less energy than conventional sub-perception methodologies, was observed. This rapid analgesic onset achieved with the novel FAST technique suggests the potential for an alternative mechanism of action(s) of sub-perception SCS.
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Expert Rev Med Devices · Aug 2017
Multicenter StudyUtilization of multiple spinal cord stimulation (SCS) waveforms in chronic pain patients.
Advances in spinal cord stimulation (SCS) have improved patient outcomes, leading to its increased utilization for chronic pain. Chronic pain is dynamic showing exacerbations, variable severity, and evolving pain patterns. Given this complexity, SCS systems that provide a broad range of stimulation waveforms may be valuable. ⋯ When given a choice, SCS patients often utilize a variety of waveforms, suggesting that patients may benefit from a single system that provides multiple waveforms and field shapes to customize therapy and improve efficacy.