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Nova Scotia Man First in Canada to Receive Surgical Implant for Chronic Back Pain Treatment |
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Written by Wire Services
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Wednesday, 28 June 2006 |
The Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University and the Brain Repair Centre have announced the first successful surgery in Canada to implant the Precision(TM) Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) system, an advanced medical device that provides relief for patients living with chronic pain. The procedure took place on May 1, 2006.
Dr. Ivar Mendez, Chief, Division of Neurosurgery, QEII Health Sciences Centre and Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine implanted the device in Mike Watson, from Truro, Nova Scotia. "Although this is our first experience with this device, and further evaluation is needed, these initial results are very promising," notes Mendez.
Watson, who has struggled with severe pain following a back injury in the early 1970s comments," My family hasn't seen me standing up straight at my full six feet in years. They can't believe it! I am confident that this is going to change my life. I have no doubt about it."
Historically, treatment of chronic pain has not been as high a priority for the health care system as some other medical conditions. Patients with severe chronic pain are often unable to find relief, despite numerous trials with pain medications. Skilled and contributing members of our communities, disabled by pain, often face extreme difficulty with activities of daily living, self esteem, family and friends, loss of employment, and life threatening depression.
The Precision(TM) SCS System is a neuromodulation system developed by Boston Scientific that can be easily programmed to fit an individual patient's needs. The small device is implanted in a comfortable and convenient location under the skin. It provides pain relief by delivering electric signals that mask the pain by inducing a tingling sensation. Patients can control their treatment using a convenient remote control that activates the implant.
"The Precision(TM) SCS system was first launched in the United States and we are excited to bring the Precision(TM) SCS System to Canada," says Jeff Goodman, President of International for Boston Scientific. "This innovative device will enhance the way chronic pain is treated and will help to improve the quality of patient care." |
