May 12 2010
Medtronic, a leading expert in medical technology, has begun a multi-center trial to study the benefits of its new implantable medical device called the RestoreSensor neurostimulator.
The device can detect a body’s posture and activity changes and responds automatically by adjusting its settings to deliver optimal pain relief. The device, similar to a pacemaker, provides electrical pulses to the spinal cord and prevents the pain signals from traveling to the brain. U.S. medical doctors will soon be recruiting patients to evaluate this device.
The RestoreSensor has received the European CE mark and is suitable for patients who experience chronic pain symptoms. The AdaptiveStim technology, a unique aspect of the RestoreSensor, utilizes a patented sensor and algorithm that use advanced motion detection technology.
MAPS Applied Research Center (MARC) and MAPS Pain Clinics’ Medical Director and Founder, David Schultz, was the first one to implant the device. He expressed his delight in being a part of this clinical trail.
While managing a patient’s pain, the level of stimulation required depends solely on the distance between the implanted electrodes and the spinal cord. This distance will vary when patients are lying down or sitting in upright positions. At present, patients have to rely on a remote control system where they are required to adjust the stimulation level whenever they alter their body positions in order to derive maximum pain relief.
The sensing technology used in the RestoreSensor is similar to the technology used in consumer electronics and automobile airbags. The RestoreSensor incorporates an accelerometer that detects body changes. When the AdaptiveStim is activated, programming is initiated depending on the optimal stimulation settings for specific body changes. Once the programming is over, the RestoreSensor provides relief and comfort regardless of any changes in the body posture. The device is also capable of recording and storing any postural changes. This feature will enable clinicians to detect individual stimulation needs of the patients in the long run.
Medtronic was inspired to adopt the AdaptiveStim technology from its cardiac pacemaker, which uses a similar technique to detect patients’ need for cardiac output. The clinical trial of the RestoreSensor will adopt a similar technique and is expected to set a new benchmark in managing chronic pain.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the spinal stimulation therapies for treating chronic pain symptoms. This therapy has been administered to more than 250,000 people around the world.
Medtronic provides unique treatments for a number of disorders such as movement disorders, chronic pain, enlarged prostate, overactive bladder, obsessive-compulsive disorders, gastroparesis and spastic disorders.
Source: http://www.medtronic.com