Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) unveiled new 6-month data from a study of its Precision Spectra spinal cord stimulator, reporting "sustained and highly significant" relief for patients suffering from low back pain.
The implantable system uses Illumina 3D anatomic modeling software to deliver mild pulses of electrical energy to targeted nerves in the spinal cord to alleviate chronic pain without stimulating "undesired" areas.
"By taking into account the conductivity of 3D anatomical structures and physician placement of the SCS leads, the Illumina 3D Software is designed for simple point-and-click pain targeting," the company said.
Among the 140 patients followed to 6 months in Boston Scientific’s retrospective study, the average pain score came down from an baseline of 7.15 out of 10 to an average of 2.93, the company announced. The latest figures join similarly promising 3-month results reported by Boston Scientific in December 2013.
The Precision line of spinal cord stimulators were the world’s 1st with rechargeable batteries and 16 contacts when they were initially launched in 2004, the company noted.
"Today, more than 60,000 patients worldwide have been treated using a Boston Scientific SCS System," according to a press release.
In the same report, Boston Scientific announced full European launch of its Precision Spectra Clinician Programmer, a touchscreen tablet powered by Illumina 3D software. The company called the new device "sleek, powerful and easy-to-use."
Massachusetts medtech titan Boston Scientific last year won FDA approval for the Precision Plus implant with indication to treat chronic pain. The device won CE Mark approval in the European Union in 2012.
Boston Scientific announced the promising new study results at the World Institute of Pain 7th World Congress in The Netherlands last week.