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Peripheral Nerve Stimulator

A great alternative for long suffering Morton’s neuroma patients
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Peripheral Nerve Stimulator

A peripheral nerve stimulator can be considered as an excellent solution for those people who have had who still have persistent Morton’s neuroma pain and discomfort despite many treatments with multiple modalities. We have had great success using peripheral nerve stimulators with a small number of patients who have had persistent foot pain after many surgeries and interventional procedures.

 

Peripheral nerve stimulation is an outpatient procedure wherein a small electrical device is implanted near a damaged nerve to interrupt pain signals. The peripheral nerves are the nerves found outside of the brain and spinal cord.

If you have had multiple failed neuroma surgeries / surgery redo’s and minimal success with ultrasound guided ablations, you may be a candidate for a peripheral nerve stimulator implant. It is a last step procedure but can be very effective in giving patients back their lives when all hope seems lost.

 

What is a Peripheral Nerve Stimulator?

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is an outpatient procedure wherein a very small electrical wire leading to a small electrical device is implanted near a damaged or painful nerve to interrupt pain signals. 

Pain comes from signals sent out from nerves. When a nerve gets damaged, it will continually send out pain signals. Unfortunately, there is no way to remedy this problem right away, but the body doesn’t know that. The point of pain is to alert us when our body is in trouble so that we can take care of it. If you can’t fix a damaged nerve right away, the only option left is to stop the nerve from sending out signals.

 
 

When pain flares up, the device works by sending small electrical signals out to interrupt the nerve signals. While the stimulation can be used continuously, patients often find that the stimulation pain relief lasts for hours and so use the stimulation on an as needed basis. Many patients have had this procedure and achieved excellent pain relief.  PNS has a very high success rate, and the results are almost immediate.

 
 

Peripheral nerve stimulator in Morton’s neuroma:

When pain flares up, the device works by sending electrical signals out to interrupt the nerve signals. 

While some patients have been apprehensive at the thought of having electrical signals being released, many have had this procedure and achieved the results they needed.

 
 
Requirements
Before placing a permanent implant, your physician will perform an image guided nerve block to confirm the nerve that is causing the pain.
Then, you and your care team will go through a peripheral nerve stimulator trial to ensure the implant will produce pain relief. The thin wire electrode wire (leads) is inserted near the nerve(s) identified by your physician and then connected to an external stimulator. This remains in place for approximately 3-7 days to determine if significant pain relief is achieved. After the therapy trial, the wires will be removed and you and your physician will decide if a peripheral nerve stimulation is appropriate for you.
If the trial proves successful, a permanent implant will be provided. Your physician will perform a minimally invasive surgical procedure to place the permanent lead wire and stimulator in the optimal location for your specific pain. The device is small enough that it can be placed under the skin. You will be provided with a remote control that can turn the device on or off as needed. The implant is placed just beneath the skin, making implantation and removal a minimally invasive process. If the device malfunctions, it is a minor surgical procedure to remove it.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the device?
Peripheral Nerve Stimulators are revolutionary, compact stimulators that fit through a standard gauge needle which allows for placement with minimally invasive surgery, typically as an outpatient procedure.
Am I a candidate for a Peripheral Nerve Stimulator?

Peripheral Nerve Stimulators are used for a variety of chronic pain conditions. Please consult your physician to see if you are a candidate.

How will I know if a Peripheral Nerve Stimulator will help me?
Before a permanent Peripheral Nerve Stimulator is implanted, a patient is able to test out their pain relief through a trial procedure. A trial stimulator is percutaneously inserted for a therapy evaluation; results will be reviewed with your physician at the end of the trial period to determine if the pain relief was satisfactory.
How does a Peripheral Nerve Stimulator work?
The implanted Peripheral Nerve device has small metal electrodes near the tip. An electrical field of energy is created when power is applied to the electrodes, which aids in blocking the pain signals. The implant receives energy from the external Transmitter Assembly that includes the transmitter and antenna.
How often do I have to charge the Transmitter Assembly?
The external Transmitter Assembly will need to be charged daily and may last up to 24 hours on a single charge depending on your therapy settings.
How long does the Transmitter Assembly take to completely recharge?
It takes average of 4 hours to recharge, even if the battery is completely depleted.
Can I get the Transmitter Assembly wet?
No. The external Transmitter Assembly is not waterproof. Keep it dry to avoid damage. Do not use the transmitter or antenna when engaging in activities that might cause the transmitter assembly to get wet, such as swimming, diving or bathing.
Do I need to be put under anesthesia for the procedure?
The procedure may be performed without general anesthesia.
How long per day do I need to use the system?
This is dependent upon your therapy preference – some patients use the system every other day, while some patients use it 24 hours per day.
Can I resume physical activities after implantation?
Most physical activities are considered safe after the procedure. Consult with your physician as to when you can resume daily activities.
Does insurance cover the implant cost?
While Medicare and many commercial payers cover Peripheral Nerve Stimulators, payer policies vary and should be verified prior to treatment for limitations on diagnosis, coding or site of service requirements.
Will it remove ALL of my pain?

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation has been clinically proven to reduce chronic pain. Your pain may not be removed entirely, but some patients have reported complete pain relief. Results may vary.