SJM’s Proclaim Elite Spinal Cord Stimulator Now FDA Approved for Full-Body MRI Scans

St. Jude Medical has announced that its Proclaim Elite spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system is now approved for full-body MRI scanning, given that certain precautions are taken.

The software and stimulation protocols within the implant are programmed and can be upgraded using an Apple iPad mini tablet. Once the patient is set, his or her iPhone can be used to control the delivered therapy as needed. Because the implant does not require any recharging in its lifetime, the therapy is a lot more convenient for the patients. Coupled with the new full-body MR conditional approval, the having such implants is becoming less of a burden.

The Proclaim Elite delivers “BurstDR” stimulation, which essentially tries to mimic the irregular spurts of electric current that the brain often shoots through the nervous system. These bursts seem to be more effective at pain control for many patients that constant and even signals.