Australian physicians placed a permanent spinal cord implant in a patient with chronic pain, according to WorkersCompensation.com.
Here are five things to know:
1. The permanent implant is designed to react to nervous systems signals by shifting the impulse strength to the damaged areas.
2. This device is considered to be advancing SCS therapy because it can adjust stimulation to the set level the patient desires. With other SCS therapies, patients may experience shocks or intense tingling when they shift positions.
3. Charles Brooker, MD, performed the procedure at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, Australia, inserting the implant in the spinal canal.
4. The patient reported a significant decrease in his chronic back pain following the procedure.
5. Saluda Medical developed the implant. Saluda CEO, John Parker, said the implant will cost $30,000.