WVU Medicine first in region to implant Medtronic SynchroMed III pain management system

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The WVU Center for Integrative Pain Management is at the forefront of chronic pain treatment, as it is the first in the region to implant the Medtronic SynchroMed™ III System, which offers patients experiencing chronic pain, cancer pain, or severe spasticity a new level of relief and personalized treatment.  

SynchroMed III represents an advancement in targeted drug delivery therapy. Approved by the FDA in October 2023, the system delivers medication directly to the fluid surrounding the spinal cord through a catheter, bypassing the digestive system, and reducing side effects associated with oral medications. 

“Opioid misuse remains a critical public health concern. This system provides a safe and effective alternative, offering targeted pain relief with minimal side effects and greater control for both patients and clinicians,” Richard Vaglienti, M.D., M.B.A., WVU Center for Integrative Pain Management director, said.

“As physicians, we understand that pain is a symptom of an underlying condition, and sometimes that can’t be resolved. Technologies like this help us treat the person, not just the pain. Implantable devices help us customize pain control to better meet patients’ needs, often with less medication. It is our hope that this and future technologies help us give our patients a better quality of life.”

The first two patients to receive the implant are recovering from the procedure at home and are doing well.

For more information on this and other pain management technologies, visit WVUMedicine.org/Pain, or call 855-WVU-CARE to schedule an appointment.