Getting a Replacement
Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain
Spinal cord stimulation systems are designed to last for several years without replacement. Neurostimulators may need to be replaced if the device malfunctions or if the battery depletes. Some neurostimulators have rechargeable batteries and others have non-rechargeable batteries.
The battery life of a nonrechargeable neurostimulator depends on the model and individual usage. Rechargeable neurostimulators have an expected battery longevity of 9 years. Ask your doctor for more information.
With the exception of your hand-held programmer, charger, and external cables, replacing any part of your implanted neurostimulation system requires surgery.
Important Features to Consider
When it's time for a replacement, you may be able to replace your existing neurostimulator or system with one that has adaptive stimulation and/or gives you access to safe MRI scans anywhere on your body.*
- AdaptiveStim: Set It and Forget It
With conventional pain management devices, you may need to manually adjust your stimulation level with your programmer for continued comfort every time you change body positions – from sitting to lying down or standing.
With adaptive stimulation, you can be active without having to adjust your stimulation with your programmer. AdaptiveStim,™ available only from Medtronic, automatically adapts as you change body positions so you can focus on life instead of adjustments.
- MRI: Protect Your Future Options
Most neurostimulation systems are not MRI-compatible because they have metal that can heat up during the MRI scan and damage your tissue. Medtronic offers spinal cord neurostimulation systems that are approved by the FDA for MRI scans. Only Medtronic SureScan Systems are approved for MRI scans anywhere in the body.*
Depending on the type of Medtronic spinal cord stimulation system you have now, you may be able to replace components of the system to allow for safe access* to an MRI on any part of your body or your head.
Talk with Your Doctor
Why settle for anything but the best? When talking about a replacement neurostimulation system with your doctor, be sure to ask about AdaptiveStim and SureScan MRI Technology.
*Under specific conditions; requires SureScan™ MRI implantable neurostimulator and SureScan MRI leads.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.