Senior Citizen News Article
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
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
Source: MSNBC
Senior Citizen Aticles | Senior Chronic Pain
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