Developers: | Boston Scientific |
Date of the premiere of the system: | October 2020 |
Branches: | Pharmaceuticals, Medicine, Healthcare |
Content |
2023: Technology coming out to treat the effects of diabetes on the nervous system
On October 11, 2023, the American company Boston Scientific introduced the WaveWriter Alpha spinal cord stimulation system for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). It is a nervous system disorder associated with diabetes mellitus.
DPN is the most common complication in patients with diabetes: the disease is a lesion of the peripheral nerves, which seriously worsens the condition, ability to work and quality of life. Diabetic neuropathy increases the risk of foot ulcers and the likelihood of lower limb amputation. In addition, HDP can lead to disability and death of patients. Of the estimated 37.3 million Americans living with diabetes, or 11.3% of the U.S. population, diabetic neuropathy affects approximately 50% of adults.
The WaveWriter Alpha family is represented by four MRI-compatible implantable pulse generators. These are rechargeable and non-rechargeable models with Bluetooth support. The devices can be used to treat chronic incurable pain in the lower extremities associated with DPN. The instruments send electrical impulses to the spinal cord to interrupt pain signals going to the brain. Via a Bluetooth connection, you can set a personal stimulation program and change the system parameters.
Boston Scientific has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use WaveWriter Alpha devices to treat the effects of diabetes on the nervous system. In addition, stimulants can be used to treat incurable low back pain and other types of chronic pain. The devices, it is claimed, can help in cases where "universal" treatments are not able to provide long-term relief.[1]
2020: Launch of Spectra WaveWriter Alpha Spinal Cord Stimulation Systems
In early October 2020 Boston Scientific , it announced the start of sales of WaveWriter Alpha spinal cord stimulation systems. The new line-up consists of four-compatible, implantable MRI pulse generators with support Bluetooth and offers different functions depending on the patient's needs, including rechargeable and non-rechargeable options.
WaveWriter Alpha systems have been labeled CE and are indicated as an adjuvant in the treatment of chronic intractable pain. They are also indicated to stimulate peripheral nerves to relieve pain. Systems can send stimuli with or without the onset of paresthesia, and include up to 32 contacts that affect specific nerves along the spinal cord. The Bluetooth platform allows you to quickly and safely draw up a therapy program while maintaining a distance of 3 meters between the doctor and the patient.
Such a range of functions is very important, it helps to achieve durable long-term results, "said Jan Vesper, a doctor at the Department of Functional Neurosurgery and Stereotaxy at the University Hospital Dusseldorf. - The combination of different therapeutic functions of WaveWriter Alpha allows you to individually approach the treatment of chronic pain. |
A randomized control study of COMBO, which compared the effectiveness of new and traditional spinal cord stimulation systems in patients with chronic pain, found that 88% of patients responded to therapy in several modalities, that is, they noted a decrease in pain severity by 50% or more. Many patients with severe manifestations were even able to return to daily activities. Thus, the WaveWriter Alpha system not only reduces the severity of pain syndrome, but also significantly improves the quality of life of patients.[2]