Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) has received CE Mark approval for use of its PRECISION™ PLUS SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR (SCS) System in patients with the system and are in need for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) head-only scans. The PRECISION PLUS SCS System is the world's first rechargeable SCS device. This approval provides physicians with an additional diagnostic option for patients with chronic intractable pain.
"As spinal cord stimulation becomes more widespread for control of severe disabling refractory pain, it is great to know that -- should the need arise -- head-only MRI scans can be safely performed in patients with the PRECISION PLUS SCS System," said Dr. Simon Thomson FFPMRCA, consultant in pain medicine and neuromodulation at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals in the United Kingdom.
Chronic intractable pain is continuous pain that has lasted more than six months. Living in constant pain for an extended period of time can have a devastating impact on quality of life for many patients. Without relief, or the hope for relief, many patients lose the ability to sleep, work, and function normally. Chronic pain affects one in five adults in Europe, or about 95 million people 15 to 64 years of age.
"We are pleased to announce that patients implanted with the PRECISION PLUS SCS System will now be able to undergo MRI head scans," said Michael Onuscheck, senior vice president and president of Europe, Middle East and Africa at Boston Scientific. "We understand the need to provide physicians the necessary options to be able to manage their patients' care and believe this new MRI labeling will play a role for them."
Spinal cord stimulation is a reversible therapy that manages pain through an implantable pulse generator (IPG) and thin wires called electrodes, or "leads," that are implanted in the spinal column. The device electrically stimulates specific nerves of the spinal cord to mask the brain's perception of specific pain signals that move up the spinal cord. To date, about 350,000 patients with chronic pain have been treated worldwide with SCS therapy.
About the PRECISION™ PLUS SCS System
The PRECISION PLUS SCS System was approved in the United States in 2004 and received approval in Europe and Canada in 2005. The system is the world's first rechargeable IPG. Today, more than 60,000 patients worldwide have been treated using this system. When compared to non-rechargeable SCS systems, rechargeable SCS systems may offer clinical benefits by extending therapeutic longevity and therefore avoiding frequent replacement surgeries and complications that may arise from repeated surgeries.
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About Boston Scientific Neuromodulation
Boston Scientific Neuromodulation is an innovation leader in implantable pain management technology. Through its investments in technology, clinical science, and world-class service, Boston Scientific Neuromodulation is committed to making life smoother for physicians and patients. For more information on PRECISION PLUS SCS System technology, visit https://www.ControlYourPain.com.
About Boston Scientific
Boston Scientific transforms lives through innovative medical solutions that improve the health of patients around the world. As a global medical technology leader for more than 30 years, we advance science for life by providing a broad range of high performance solutions that address unmet patient needs and reduce the cost of healthcare. For more information, visit www.bostonscientific.com and connect on Twitter and Facebook.
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