Boston Scientific ™
Intro/Problem Statement
Chronic pain is more than persistent aches. It can last months or years and often continues despite medications, injections, physical therapy, or surgery. Its impact goes beyond the body, affecting sleep, mobility, work, relationships, and emotional well-being. Many patients experience anxiety, depression, or thoughts such as “nothing helps” or “I’m stuck with this.”
When conventional treatments are not enough, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) offers a therapy that addresses the nervous system directly, modifying how pain signals are processed rather than simply masking symptoms. This approach provides a pathway to meaningful relief and improved quality of life.
How It Works / Trial
The therapy typically begins with a trial phase, where temporary or external leads are used for several days to assess pain relief and functional improvement. Patients track pain, sleep, activity, and medication use. A successful trial guides the decision to proceed with a permanent implant.
Solution:
What Is SCS
Spinal Cord Stimulation involves implanting thin leads near the spinal cord, connected to a small pulse generator. Electrical pulses modulate spinal cord pain signals, reducing the perception of discomfort and improving function.
Boston Scientific’s SCS portfolio—including WaveWriter Alpha™, Spectra WaveWriter™, and Precision Montage™ MRI—offers personalized therapy with multiple waveform options, advanced lead configurations, and patient-controlled settings.
The therapy typically begins with a trial phase, where temporary or external leads are used for several days to assess pain relief and functional improvement. Patients track pain, sleep, activity, and medication use. A successful trial helps guide the decision to proceed with a permanent implant.
What Is Different About Boston Scientific Systems
Boston Scientific SCS systems stand out because they provide:
- Multiple waveform options: Paresthesia-based and sub-perception (invisible) modes for tailored relief.
- Advanced leads: 16-contact leads spanning multiple vertebral levels for precise coverage.
- MRI compatibility: ImageReady™ technology allows full-body MRI under defined conditions.
- Patient control: Therapy adjustments via controller or app for active engagement.
These features give patients flexibility, personalization, broader coverage, and convenience, improving satisfaction and long-term outcomes.
Who Can Benefit
SCS may benefit patients with:
- Chronic intractable trunk or limb pain persisting despite medications, injections, or surgery
- Conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) types I & II, radicular pain, or neuropathic leg pain
- A desire to reduce medication reliance, restore mobility, improve sleep, and regain quality of life
Patient Testimonial
Hearing patients describe life before and after SCS—trial, implant, and regained participation—makes the technology relatable and tangible.
Benefits of SCS
- Pain relief: Clinically validated long-term reduction
- Improved function: Better mobility, sleep, and daily activity participation
- Reduced catastrophizing: Restores a sense of control and empowerment
- Medication reduction: Decreased reliance on opioids or other systemic medications
Hearing patients describe life before and after SCS—trial, implant, and regained participation—helps make the therapy relatable and tangible.
The SCS Treatment Journey
- Trial Phase: Temporary leads assess effectiveness; patients log pain, activity, and medication use.
- Implantation: Permanent leads and pulse generator are placed; patients learn programming, controller use, MRI guidelines, and device care.
- Post-Implant: Follow-up optimizes therapy; rehabilitation and lifestyle adjustments support improved function, sleep, and quality of life. Long-term monitoring ensures sustained relief.
SCS & PNS Implant
Resources
Boston Scientific provides patient brochures and digital resources to help patients engage actively with their care journey. These resources explain therapy, device use, safety, and what to expect at every stage of treatment.