Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator Review: Disadvantages And Risks Of The Surgery Implant
Sunday, March 27, 2022
Boston Scientific is a company that produces medical devices for both surgical and non-surgical use. One of the products they offer is the Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator.
This device has been available for many years, but there have been recent concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the surgical implant. In this post, we’ll discuss the disadvantages and risks of the Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator.
What is a Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator?
A Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator is a device that is surgically implanted into the body to help relieve chronic pain. It works by sending electrical impulses to the spinal cord, which blocks the pain signals from reaching the brain.
There are two types of Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulators: those that are intended for use with an external battery pack and those that are self-contained (rechargeable). The self-contained devices are more expensive, but they offer the convenience of not having to worry about changing batteries.
What exactly does a Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator do?
A Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator does not cure the underlying cause of your pain. Instead, it works by interrupting the pain signals that are sent to your brain. This can help to reduce the amount of pain you feel.
How a Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator Works
A Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator is implanted under the skin, with the electrodes placed next to the spinal cord. The electrical impulses that are generated by the device disrupt the pain signals that are being sent to the brain.
The stimulator is controlled by a remote, which allows you to adjust the level of stimulation. The stimulator can be turned on or off as needed, and the intensity of the stimulation can be increased or decreased.
Where is the Boston Spinal Cord Stimulator Implanted?
The stimulator is implanted under the skin, typically in the lower back or buttocks. The electrodes are placed next to the spinal cord.
Does a Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator Cure Pain?
While pain management doctors recommend spinal cord stimulators for the treatment of chronic back and neck pain, it does not work to cure pain. It might help relieve pain for a while, so your pain will always need to be managed in some way.
The situation with spinal cord stimulators is comparable to that of addictive medications developed from opioids in the 1980s. People who suffered from chronic back and neck pain were given addictive medicines made from opioids in the 1980s.
Oxycodone and Oxycontin were the common drugs around that period. To help spread these drugs, pharmaceutical companies employed the services of salespeople who would go into doctors' offices. These salespeople were able to convince the doctors to prescribe these addictive drugs, for which the doctors were reimbursed.
But, patients built a tolerance for these powerful drugs, leading to an increased need for a higher dosage, and eventually addiction. Due to government regulations, doctors stopped prescribing the medication, and opioid addicts turned to cheaper street drugs to maintain the effects.
The same scenario that played out with the opioid painkillers in the 80s is gradually repeating itself with spinal cord stimulators. Spinal Cord Stimulators require a surgical operation to be placed over the spinal cord; however, neurosurgeons do not carry out these procedures since they don’t stop the pain at its source.
Because of this, companies have started reaching out to pain management doctors who are willing to carry out this procedure, promising them a profit for pushing the devices. For the past ten years, VCs have been coming in and buying pain management doctors with the promise of the rewards that they would make.
So while Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulators might give temporary relief, they don’t work to cure pain. Because they aren’t a cure, your pain must always be managed by something in some way. doesn't cure chronic back and neck pain.
If you're looking for an alternative to Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulators, you'll find them here.
Alternatives to the Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator
If you're suffering from chronic back and neck pain and you need an alternative solution to a Boston scientific spinal cord stimulator, connecting with a qualified surgeon at Deuk Spine Institute is the best alternative. Request a free MRI review.
Deuk Spine Laser Disc Repair
Deuk Spine Institute is the world leader in minimally invasive Laser Spine Surgery. Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, founder of Deuk Spine Institute, developed the world's most advanced laser spine surgery. This laser spine surgery is known as Deuk Laser Disc Repair.
Deuk Laser Disc Repair is used as an alternative to dangerous invasive surgeries like total disc replacement and spinal fusion. Deuk Laser Disc Repair is a form of endoscopic spine surgery performed in a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center under sedation while the patient relaxes.
This procedure does not compromise or weaken the health and integrity of the spine.
In over 15 years of performing this procedure and with over 1,300 patients treated, there has been a 95% success rate with no complications in any patient.
How Deuk Laser Disk Repair Works
To get started, Deuk Laser Disc Repair requires a very small incision, less than a quarter-inch long. A cylindrical rod called a dilator is inserted in the small opening to gently spread the muscle to create a small passage and guide through which the surgery is performed endoscopically.
The tip of the dilator is advanced into the symptomatic disc through the tear in the annulus where the herniation originates, and a tube called the retractor slides over the dilator and is carefully positioned into the painful disc. The rest of the entire Deuk laser disc repair surgery will occur inside this narrow tube.
To access the spine, an endoscopic camera is inserted into the tubular retractor to allow the surgeon to guide the laser inside each symptomatic disc. This process ensures that bones and surrounding tissues are not damaged, unlike traditional spinal fusions, microdiscectomy, and artificial discs.
The Holmium YAG laser used in the Deuk laser disc repair is manipulated accurately with millimeter precision under endoscopic visualization to remove only painful inflammatory tissue from the disc. The laser is precisely used to remove damaged disc material that is causing the pain.
The entire process takes about an hour and leaves less than one-quarter inch incision in the skin, which can be closed with a single stitch and a band-aid. After the surgery, the Deuk laser disc repair patient is back home, enjoying life with a speedy recovery allowing normal activities without pain.
Another advantage of Deuk laser disc repair is that no opioids or powerful narcotic painkillers are needed after surgery. If you’re suffering from chronic back and neck pain, submit your MRI for a free review with our team.
What is the success rate and life expectancy of a Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator?
The success rate of a Boston spinal cord stimulator is variable and depends on the person’s situation. The life expectancy of a Boston spinal cord stimulator varies depending on the type of device and how it is used. Some devices have a lifespan of up to ten years, while others may last a lifetime.
If you’re considering surgery to implant a Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator, be sure to speak with your doctor about all the potential risks and disadvantages associated with the procedure.
How long is the recovery?
The length of time it takes to recover from a Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator depends on the individual and the type of device implanted. Most people report feeling pain relief within a few days to weeks after surgery but it may take several months for the full effects of the device to be felt.
What are the side effects?
Most people experience a quick and easy recovery following surgery. However, everyone heals differently, and the amount of time required for a full recovery may vary.
Some common side effects include the following:
- Pain or discomfort at the implant site.
- Bleeding or infection around the implant site.
- Movement of the stimulator device within your body.
- Electrical shocks or burns from the stimulator.
- Paresthesia (a pins and needles sensation) in areas treated by the stimulator.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea caused by electrical stimulation of the brainstem.
- Vertigo (a false sense of spinning) due to electrical stimulation of the inner ear.
- Muscle weakness or paralysis if the stimulator leads are placed too close to certain nerves.
- Inability to urinate if the stimulator leads are placed too close to the sacral nerve roots.
- Difficulty sitting for long periods of time due to increased sensation in the buttocks and thighs.
Most side effects will subside over time, but some may last indefinitely. If you experience any persistent or bothersome side effects, be sure to speak with your doctor.
What are Other Disadvantages and Risks of Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator?
Other risks and disadvantages associated with having a Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator include:
- The possibility of the device malfunctioning or not working properly.
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels during surgery.
- Allergic reaction to the materials used in the device.
- Scarring or formation of hard knots (nodules) under the skin where the leads are placed.
Living with a Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator
If you're already living with a Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator, we've provided answers to common questions that you might have.
Can I have CT scans and X-rays?
Yes, you can have CT scans and X-rays. However, you should always let your doctor or technologist know that you have a Boston scientific spinal cord stimulator before having any imaging tests.
Will it set off airport security?
No, the Boston scientific spinal cord stimulator will not set off airport security. However, it is recommended that you carry your Boston scientific spinal cord stimulator identification card with you when traveling.
What should I do if it suddenly stops working?
If your Boston scientific spinal cord stimulator stops working, contact your doctor immediately. They will determine whether you need to come in for a check-up or if there is something that you can do to troubleshoot the problem.
Can I bathe, shower, or swim with it?
Yes, you can bathe, shower, and swim with a Boston scientific spinal cord stimulator. However, it’s recommended to avoid submerging the device in water.
Can I travel with it?
Yes, you can travel with a Boston scientific spinal cord stimulator. We recommend that you carry your Boston scientific spinal cord stimulator identification card with you when traveling.
Is it MRI compatible?
Yes, Boston scientific spinal cord stimulators are MRI compatible. However, you should always let your doctor or technologist know that you have a Boston scientific spinal cord stimulator before having any imaging tests.
How long does it last?
Boston scientific spinal cord stimulators are designed to last for many years. However, the lifespan of each device may vary depending on individual usage and care.
Can it be removed?
Yes, Boston scientific spinal cord stimulators can be removed. However, the decision to remove the device should be made only after careful consideration with your doctor.
The Bottom Line
In summary, Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulators do not work to cure chronic back and neck pain. Instead, it's been shown to cause spinal headaches or spinal fluid leaks, as well as many other complications.
A better alternative for anyone suffering from chronic back and neck pain is Deuk Laser Disc Repair. This procedure is the most advanced laser spine surgery in the world, and you can only get the procedure done at Deuk Spine Institute.
At Deuk Spine Institute, we understand that physicians have a duty to make decisions in their patients' best interests. Spinal Cord Stimulators that cause damage to the spine are more profitable to spine surgeons.
But here at Deuk Spine we're not driven by money: we're driven by the value we provide to our patients and our capacity to help others. As a world-renowned neurosurgeon, Dr. Deuk has unique insight into the intricacies of spinal health and nerves.
Laser spine surgery at Deuk Spine Institute can treat herniated discs, sciatica, bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and other conditions that cause intense chronic pain.
If you would like to receive patient-oriented care from world-class physicians, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at Deuk Spine Institute today. We also offer free consultation on your MRI scan.
Visit our site here to start your treatment, or just submit your MRI for a free review with our team.
