Medtronic Neurostimulators OK’d for Diabetic Neuropathy

FDA has approved a Medtronic PMA for its Intellis rechargeable neurostimulator and Vanta recharge-free neurostimulator for treating chronic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). DPN occurs when high blood sugar damages nerves in the body, most often in the legs and feet, leading to numbness and burning or stabbing pain, according to the company.

The company says studies show patients with DPN experience significant pain relief when treated with spinal cord stimulation (SCS) compared to conventional treatments alone. “Overall, 70% of patients receiving treatment with SCS experienced relief of their pain symptoms compared to 6% of patients receiving only conventional treatments,” it says. “Those treated with SCS experienced a 53% average reduction in pain, compared to 0% among patients receiving only conventional treatments.”