TRY IT SPINAL CORD STIMULATION
“After the beginning of the trial, the very first full day ... it was as if a light switch had been turned on.”
SEE BRYAN'S STORY
UNDERSTANDING THE TRIAL
The spinal cord stimulation (SCS) “try-it” option helps you experience how well the neurostimulator may relieve your pain during different activities and while you sleep. It lets you try the therapy using an external stimulator that mimics the actual treatment.
HOW IT WORKS
Mild electrical pulses from the external neurostimulator (A) travel through the temporary leads (B) to the nerves near your spinal cord.
The wireless, handheld therapy programmer (C) lets you adjust the stimulation during the trial, enabling you to experience the different levels of stimulation the system can provide.
The trial lasts up to 10 days. Afterward, you and your doctor will decide if SCS is right for you.
SCS Trial
An SCS trial helps you take control of your treatment and assess how well the neurostimulator may relieve your pain during different activities.
Afterward, you and your doctor will decide if you should proceed with a permanent SCS implant, and whether the Intellis™ rechargeable system or the Vanta™ recharge-free system is right for you.
BEFORE THE TRIAL
Discuss your therapy goals with your physician. Make a list of goals you’d like to achieve if your pain were managed better — for example, being able to shop for groceries without stopping to rest.
You may receive a workbook to track pain relief and improvement in your day-to-day activities. This will help you and your physician assess your response to the SCS trial and personalize your therapy.
About the trial procedure
The procedure to receive the trial system takes about 30 to 90 minutes and is usually done in a doctor’s office or same day surgery center.
GENERAL STEPS OF THE TRIAL PROCEDURE:
- The doctor places the temporary leads (thin, flexible wires) near your spine using a small insertion device. The area will be numbed with a local anesthetic.
- As stimulation is applied, your doctor will ask how you feel to help determine the best location for the leads.
- The leads are connected to an external wireless neurostimulator, which will be secured to your back during the trial. This provides the stimulation therapy.
- In the recovery room, your device will be programmed to find a setting to determine the therapy that may work for you.
Note: These steps may vary depending on your doctor.
THINGS YOU’LL LEARN AFTER THE PROCEDURE:
- How to use the handheld therapy programmer
- How to care for the area around the leads
- Activities and movements to avoid during the trial period
You may experience some discomfort on your back where the leads were placed. This is temporary and should go away in the hours and days after the procedure. You might also experience some changes in stimulation intensity with certain activities during the trial stage.
AT HOME WITH YOUR TEMPORARY SCS SYSTEM
The trial period can last up to 10 days. Consider doing some of the things you normally can’t do because of your pain — like walking upstairs, standing in one place, or getting ready in the morning. The benefits of the therapy may be immediate or take a few days.
- Your doctor will give you instructions to follow, including any limitations like twisting and heavy lifting, which may dislodge the trial leads.
- Generally, you’re free to go to work, do your daily routine, and try some activities you’ve been avoiding because of pain.
- The trial system isn’t waterproof, so you’ll need to keep it dry.
- The benefits of the screening trial may be immediate, or they may take a few days.
Potential risks during the trial:
Complications can occur during the trial, including bleeding into the epidural space, infection, and other side effects. Do not undergo a trial if you have an active infection the day of the procedure.
Patient Manuals
To view, download, print or order manuals, go to our patient manuals site. Search for the model or product name (for example, Intellis™ or Vanta™).
THE NEXT STEP — A PERMANENT IMPLANT
At the end of your trial period:
- Your doctor will remove the temporary leads and discuss your experience with you.
- Together, you’ll decide if an SCS therapy implant is right for you.
- If you and your doctor agree SCS therapy is right for you, you’ll schedule the procedure to get the rechargeable Intellis™ system or the recharge-free Vanta™ system implanted.
Note: These steps may vary depending on your doctor.
WATCH
PATIENT STORIES
Watch our patient videos to see how SCS impacted their lives.
WHY CHOOSE A MEDTRONIC SCS SYSTEM
Learn more about the rechargeable and recharge free SCS systems.
Medical Disclaimer
Information contained herein is not medical advice and should not be used as an alternative to speaking with your doctor. Discuss indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, adverse events and any further information with your health care professional.