St. Jude Medical has received both FDA approval and EU’s CE Mark for an upgraded version of its Eon device for spinal cord stimulation therapy. The device promises to run on once a day recharges for ten years after implantation, reducing the need of surgical replacement of the battery in the future:
With neurostimulation therapy, devices with rechargeable batteries have quickly become the standard. At high stimulation parameters, a 10-year-old Eon device will maintain at least 24 hours of continuous therapy between recharges. For patients, this means the Eon device can provide sustainable therapy and maintain a reasonable recharge interval for 10 years, potentially resulting in fewer battery replacement surgeries.
Rechargeable neurostimulators are designed with a battery reserve to protect the device from damage should a patient discontinue therapy. The Eon neurostimulator’s battery reserve allows the device to be safely recharged for up to 18 months after stimulation has been discontinued.
“We continually strive to develop best-in-class products that enhance patients’ quality of life,” said Chris Chavez, president of St. Jude Medical’s ANS Division. “The addition of battery life-extending technology, which enables the 10-year battery capability, is a prime example of our commitment to making a good product even better.”
Introduced in March 2005, the Eon neurostimulator was upgraded in September 2006 with NeuroDynamix(TM) technology, a proprietary microchip and enhanced software design, which contribute to the increased battery efficiency. The claim was granted after St. Jude Medical monitored the device’s performance since the initial product introduction in 2005.
Press release: St. Jude Medical Receives FDA and CE Mark Approvals of Extended 10-Year Battery Life Claim for Rechargeable Neurostimulator