Abbott (NYSE:ABT) announced that the FDA approved its Eterna spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system.
Eterna is an implantable, rechargeable SCS system. It offers treatment for chronic pain. Abbott said in a news release that Eterna represents the smallest such SCS system on the market for that indication.
The system uses Abbott’s proprietary low-dose BurstDR stimulation. BurstDR mimics natural firing patterns around the brain to deliver pain relief. According to Abbott, this SCS waveform technology offers 23% more pain reduction compared to traditional waveform approaches.
Abbott said it developed Eterna based on extensive studies exploring the unmet needs of people living with chronic pain. The company discovered that people wanted a smaller implant for comfort and a reduced need to charge the device daily or weekly. As a result, it designed Eterna for recharging less than five times a year under normal use.
“Abbott’s low-dose BurstDR stimulation is clinically proven to reduce pain, improve people’s ability to perform everyday activities, and reduce emotional suffering associated with pain,” said Dr. Timothy Deer, president and CEO of the Spine and Nerve Centers of the Virginias in Charleston, West Virginia. “Until now, it wasn’t available on a rechargeable device that was this small, and that only needs to be charged a few times a year. This makes a big difference in comfort for many patients who now can have access to the best of both worlds – a small, best-in-class rechargeable device with superior stimulation therapy.”
More about the Eterna SCS system
Eterna pairs with Abbott’s new Xtend energy technology, the company said. This optimizes the charging experience, reducing it to as few as five recharges per year with a wireless charger.
Additionally, Eterna uses Abbott’s TotalScan MRI technology. TotalScan allows for full-body MRI scans for those who require accessibility to improved diagnostics and healthcare. Abbott noted that it designed Eterna as an upgradeable platform. This allows for adaptation to future innovations without replacing the implant.
The company offers iPhone integration for Eterna as well. Abbott’s patient-focused mobile app supports real-time battery life and charging status updates. Also, these can come on a personal or Abbott-provided Apple device.
“At Abbott, we deliver products and solutions with the goal of simplifying healthcare, improving clinical outcomes and providing people suffering from chronic pain with the best experience possible. As we progress on this commitment, Eterna is the next major leap forward,” said Pedro Malha, VP, neuromodulation, Abbott. “Eterna is the smallest rechargeable spinal cord stimulator on the market, provides the longest therapy between charges and offers an optimized recharging experience – all key features when selecting the best overall system.”
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