St. Jude Medical announced the Australian market launch of the Epiducer lead delivery system for neurostimulation therapy for the management of chronic pain. Showcased at the International Neuromodulation Society 10th World Congress in London, UK, this system gives physicians the ability to place multiple neurostimulation leads through a single entry point, including proprietary S-Series steerable paddle leads, which are designed for minimally invasive placement.
This first-of-its-kind system is designed to lessen procedural complexities and improve efficiency in the placement of neurostimulation leads utilised in spinal cord stimulation therapy for the management of chronic pain. Prior to the Epiducer system, the placement of multiple percutaneous neurostimulation leads required several small incisions. In addition, a paddle lead implant required a laminotomy, a more invasive surgical procedure that typically requires removal of part of the vertebral bone. Physicians often utilise more than one lead or combine different types of leads such as percutaneous and surgical paddle leads to manage complex pain such as low back pain.
“As pain physicians, if we can perform a simpler, less invasive procedure while delivering the same degree of effective care, the patient benefits,” said Peter Courtney, Melbourne Pain Group, Melbourne, Australia. “The Epiducer system has allowed me to use lead combinations for my patients and capture pain patterns that would have required a much more complicated procedure.”
“The Epiducer lead delivery system provides physicians more flexibility in the placement of neurostimulation leads for the management of chronic pain,” said Chris Chavez, president, St. Jude Medical Neuromodulation Division. “Providing physicians with clinically relevant new products like the Epiducer system enables them to have more control and less procedural risks when providing patients with this life-changing therapy.”
