First implants of pain control device:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Medtronic has announced the first human implants of an electronic device for controlling chronic pain in the body and limbs. Two patients in Europe have been treated with the Synergy device, which is implanted under the skin in the abdomen and sends mild shocks through two leads implanted near the spinal cord. These shocks block pain signals to the brain. The treatment may be particularly suitable for treating chronic back pain.