University Foot and Ankle Institute is excited to offer our patients an innovative solution for targeted pain relief: the StimRouter by Bioventus.
Many of my patients have expressed concerns about managing chronic pain, and the StimRouter is a game-changing device that addresses these concerns. This innovative medical device’s targeted approach to pain relief provides an excellent option for those struggling with chronic pain.
When pain lasts for more than 90 days, it is considered chronic. Chronic pain can be a result of surgery, injury, or illness and can have a significant impact on your quality of life.
The StimRouter system targets the source of your pain without drugs or invasive surgery.
What is the StimRouter?
The StimRouter is a minimally invasive neuromodulation medical device that specifically targets peripheral nerves responsible for pain. The goal of this device is to provide relief for chronic pain sufferers in a personalized way, allowing them to regain control over their lives.
Multiple published clinical trials have shown the StimRouter system to have a high margin of safety, differentiating it from other peripheral neuromodulation systems.
These studies have also shown the StimRouter system to be effective in the treatment of multiple peripheral mononeuropathies as well as effective at improving patient pain, activity levels, and quality of life. StimRouter represents a viable option for the management of chronic peripheral mononeuropathy.
Who is a candidate for StimRouter?
The StimRouter empowers patients by giving them complete control of their pain management treatment. StimRouter may be right for you if you are:
- Unable to find relief with initial treatment options.
- Looking for a more long-term pain management option.
- Wanting to eliminate or reduce the use of medications.
- Not a candidate for major surgery or looking to avoid invasive surgery.
How Does the StimRouter work?
The brilliance of the StimRouter lies in its elegant design and advanced technology. Here’s a step-by-step explanation:
- Implantation: The StimRouter is implanted under the skin near the targeted peripheral nerve. This outpatient procedure is minimally invasive and typically done under local anesthesia.
- Stimulation: Once implanted, the device’s electrode sends gentle electrical pulses to the targeted nerve. These pulses help in controlling the pain signals sent to the brain.
- Patient control: The patient can control the stimulation using an external remote control. The device can be adjusted to meet each individual patient’s unique pain relief needs.
What are the benefits of the StimRouter?
I am proud to be able to offer this revolutionary pain relief system to my patients because of the many benefits it offers.
Personalized treatment
The StimRouter provides an individualized approach to pain management. Targeting the specific nerve responsible for the pain offers tailored relief that traditional treatments may not provide.
Minimally invasive
Unlike some other methods, the implantation of the StimRouter is a simple outpatient procedure. This means fewer risks, no invasive surgery, and a quicker recovery time.
Enhanced quality of life
Chronic pain can be debilitating. The StimRouter empowers patients to take control of their pain management, leading to a better quality of life.
What do patients say about the StimRouter?
Key findings from a recent survey of 133 StimRouter patients, representing experience with 17 different peripheral nerves:
- 88% of patients continue to actively use StimRouter to treat their chronic pain after one year.
- 76% said that they are satisfied with their device.
- A majority of patients reported at least a 50% increase in activity level after beginning their StimRouter treatment.
Remember, every patient’s situation is unique, so it’s essential to consult with our healthcare providers to determine if the StimRouter is right for you. Together, we can explore the best options for managing your pain and improving your quality of life.
About Bioness
The StimRouter® peripheral nerve stimulation system created by Bioness, Inc., (CA, USA) is US FDA-approved for the treatment of peripheral mononeuropathy refractory to conservative medical management.
Bioness is the leading provider of implantable and external neuromodulation systems, robotic systems and software therapy programs that provide functional and therapeutic benefits for individuals affected by pain, orthopedic injuries, and other disorders of the central nervous system.
With the support of entrepreneur and philanthropist Alfred E. Mann, Bioness was formed in 2004 to help patients with neurological impairments regain their independence. Since then the company has launched many products to worldwide markets.
Bioness remains part of the Alfred Mann Foundation company portfolio.
StimRouter FAQs
What are the risks related to the StimRouter System?
Nerve injury is possible, although unlikely. Possible surgical complications include infection, cellulitis, abscess, fever, sepsis, bleeding, and temporary pain at the implant site.
How long should the implanted lead stay in the body?
We will discuss your individualized treatment plan during your consultation. However, the StimRouter lead is designed to be a long-term implant.
What can I expect during and after the procedure?
It is a simple procedure performed under local anesthesia. You will be awake during the procedure to provide feedback on the effectiveness of the stimulation. The small incisions should heal within 2-3 weeks. At that time, you will receive education education on how to use your implant.
Does StimRouter require a prescription?
Yes, a prescription from your physician is required.
How often will the StimRouter System need to be programmed after the initial set up?
Your StimRouter will initially be programmed with up to eight different stimulation programs to turn off/on and increase or decrease the stimulation intensity. If the programs no longer provide appropriate pain relief, contact your physician to have it reprogrammed.
Does my insurance cover the StimRouter System?
The StimRouter System is often covered by insurance if it is deemed medically necessary.
Sources
Oswald J, Shahi V, Chakravarthy KV. PProspective, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, partial crossover study to assess the safety and efficacy of the novel neuromodulation system in the treatment of patients with chronic pain of peripheral nerve origin. Pain Manage. 2019;9(6):551-8. doi:10.2217/pmt-2019-0028
Deer T, Pope J, Benyamin R, et al. Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Partial Crossover Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of the Novel Neuromodulation System in the Treatment of Patients With Chronic Pain of Peripheral Nerve Origin.
Neuromodulation. 2016;19(1):91-100. doi:10.1111/ner.12381
Dahlhamer J, Lucas J, Zelaya, C, et al. Prevalence of chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain among adults – United States, 2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2018;67(36):1001-6. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6736a2
Mechanism of Action of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Pain: A Narrative Review. Ong Sio LC, Hom B, Garg S, Abd-Elsayed A. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Feb 25;24(5):4540. doi: 10.3390/ijms24054540. PMID: 36901970 Free PMC article. Review.
Prospective case series on the use of peripheral nerve stimulation for focal mononeuropathy treatment. Oswald J, Shahi V, Chakravarthy KV. Pain Manag. 2019 Nov;9(6):551-558. doi: 10.2217/pmt-2019-0028. Epub 2019 Nov 5. PMID: 31686589
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Painful Mononeuropathy Secondary to Leprosy: A 12-Month Follow-Up Study. Freitas TDS, Fonoff ET, Marquez Neto OR, Kessler IM, Barros LM, Guimaraes RW, Azevedo MF. Neuromodulation. 2018 Apr;21(3):310-316. doi: 10.1111/ner.12714. Epub 2017 Oct 29. PMID: 29082637 Clinical Trial.
Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Lower Extremity Pain: A Rare Case Report. Ferreira-Dos-Santos G, Hurdle MFB, Gupta S, Clendenen SR. Pain Pract. 2019 Nov;19(8):861-865. doi: 10.1111/papr.12810. Epub 2019 Jul 7. PMID: 31220401
Review of Recent Advances in Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS). Chakravarthy K, Nava A, Christo PJ, Williams K.Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2016 Nov;20(11):60. doi: 10.1007/s11916-016-0590-8.PMID: 27671799
Dr. Baravarian has been involved in athletics his entire life and played competitive tennis in high school and college. He has an interest in sports medicine, arthritis therapy and trauma/reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle. He servers as a consultant to the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) tour, multiple running organizations and several shoe manufacturers. He is also fluent in five languages (English, French, Spanish, Farsi and Hebrew),
Podiatrist Dr. Bob Baravarian is available for consultation at the Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks and UCLA Westwood offices.
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