Some patients with Failed back surgery, CRPS, Post herpetic neuralgia may have intractable pain which is not responding to many routine and advanced treatment. These patients may require spinal cord stimulation therapy (SCS) for controlling their pain. (Cick here for details of SCS)

Latest news is that now the SCS system has become totally wireless and very tiny.

How it works - Click on stimwave.com

The Freedom-4 SCS System contains several novel components for added convenience and ease of use for the patient to receive pain therapy. The system uses miniaturized circuitry that is small enough to be fully enclosed within the Stimulator body, creating a one-piece stimulator device eliminating the need for an IPG and extension tunneling. 

Freedom Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) System is used for spinal cord neural stimulation to provide therapeutic relief for chronic, intractable pain of the back and/or lower limbs including unilateral or bilateral pain. The therapy utilizes pulsed electrical current to create an electrical energy field that acts on nerve fibers near or around the dorsal aspect of the spinal column to alter the transmission of pain signals to the brain. The System is comprised of an implantable stimulator and an externally worn power source to power the device.

Stimulator - The Freedom-4 Stimulator, known as an “implant” or “electrode”, contains the neurostimulator.  The stimulator is a set of thin wires and a micro-receiver, covered with a protective casing. The neurostimulator has small metal electrodes near the tip that create an electrical field of energy when power is applied. The electrical field aids in blocking the pain signals coming from certain nerves of the spinal cord.  The neurostimulator receives energy wirelessly from an external unit.

external Transmitter - Overview: The externally worn transmitter (wearable antenna assembly (WAA)) is an electronic device used to power the simulator.  The Freedom SCS System uses wireless technology to program the WAA and to power the stimulator. Wireless power is sent from the WAA and through the skin to the Stimulator. The WAA communicates with the neurostimulator by sending radiofrequency signals. The clinician uses a Bluetooth connection to program the WAA with your specific stimulation parameters and the neurostimulator only accepts communication from this specific WAA.

Advantage - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – An MRI examination may be safely performed under certain specific conditions. The WAA component is MR Unsafe; ensure that the WAA does not enter the MR system room.