cedure, a small device — like a small pacemaker — is implanted
under the skin where it delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord
in order to interrupt pain signals.
About 3 years ago, these devices were the size of a hockey puck.
Today, they're the size of a Double Stuf Oreo, meaning they're far
more comfortable for the patient. They're also Bluetooth-enabled for
the first time, which means a patient can control her level of stimula-
tion from an iPod, whereas previously she'd need to hold an antenna
over the implant — a not-so-consistent or comfortable way of modu-
lating pain.
Additionally, these implants are now being made with primary cell
versus rechargeable batteries, so patients no longer have to sit still for
an hour or 2 a week hooked up to a recharging station. Instead, the
device simply needs to be replaced in a minimally invasive, 10-minute
procedure once every 7 to 10 years. The devices are operating at a
higher frequency than ever before, meaning the patient feels less
vibration. And, because of gyroscope technology that uses the earth's
gravity to determine orientation, a patient is able to move more freely
than ever before, without the fear of feeling minor zaps. Finally, the
devices are MRI compatible for the first time.
"Spinal cord stimulators are our bread and butter," says James
McClung, BSN, RN, director of nursing at the Center for Specialty
Surgery in Austin, Texas. "It's an amazing feeling being able to watch
people walk away after receiving an implant without feeling any pain."
Since April of last year, chronic pain physicians have been able to
stimulate not just the spinal cord, but the dorsal root ganglion, or the
"Grand Central Station for all pain impulses entering the central nerv-
ous system," says Dr. McCarty. "This means we're able to treat pain we
were never able to treat before, including chronic complex regional
pain syndrome of the lower extremity. It's been a real breakthrough."
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