MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The WVU Medicine Center for Integrative Pain Management is now offering an artificial intelligence (AI)-based spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system for the non-medical treatment of chronic back and leg pain and painful diabetic neuropathy.
HFX iQ is the first AI-based SCS system on the market and learns from patient input. It was developed to address the variability in pain from patient to patient and to help patients optimize and maintain long-term pain relief and improved quality of life. The system is comprised of the implantable impulse generator, trial stimulator, charger, and an app.
Pain relief is delivered through an implanted SCS device, which is programmed to block pain signals from getting to the brain. Patients using the device take a short daily assessment on the app, which prompts a personalized recommendation for pain relief adjustments, if needed.
“This is a new option for patients who don’t want to or can’t take opioid pain medications for pain management,” Richard Vaglienti, M.D., WVU Medicine Center for Integrative Pain Management director, said. “At the Center for Integrative Pain Management, we are always looking for options outside medication for patients with chronic pain. Pain medications can be a great tool but have their own problems with long-term use. Implantable spinal cord stimulation devices have been a great option for patients who want to try something else.”
Eligible patients use a trial stimulator to determine whether the device would work for them before the permanent device is implanted. This allows them to see not only if it is effective, but if the app interface is something they are comfortable using. After a successful trial, the device is implanted under the skin and electrodes are inserted between the spine and vertebrae.
“Data-driven, humanized pain relief means that you have control over what stimulation you get, and it’s based upon what you tell the equipment,” Dr. Vaglienti said. “This device is another tool we are able to use to give patients multiple options for the non-medical management of pain.”
For more information about the management of chronic back pain, visit WVUMedicine.org/Pain.