FDA Approves New Device for Chronic Pain Treatment

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the world's smallest spinal cord stimulation (SCS) implant (Eterna; Abbott, Abbott Park, IL) for the treatment of chronic pain. According to materials presented by Abbott, the Eterna device is more effective than other neurostimulation devices at reducing reported pain in those being treated for chronic pain, needs to be recharged less frequently than previous devices, features an upgradable technology platform, and integrates with mobile technologies. 

"Abbott's low-dose BurstDR stimulation is clinically proven to reduce pain, improve people's ability to perform everyday activities, and reduce emotional suffering associated with pain, "said Timothy Deer, MD, DABPM, president and chief executive officer of the Spine and Nerve Centers of the Virginias in Charleston, WV. 

Chronic pain affects an estimated 50 million US adults, and neurostimulation devices have been recommended by physicians for years to help their patients manage their chronic pain symptoms. Implantable neurostimulation devices deliver a mild electric signals to the epidural space, disrupting pain signals traveling between the spinal cord and the brain.