Noel Goldthwaite, MD, of SpineCare Medical Group in Daly City, Calif., implanted Nuvectra's Algovita Spinal Cord Stimulation System in a patient who suffered from chronic pain and opioid addiction.
Here are five takeaways:
1. The Algovita SCS System provides physicians with tools to address the individual and changing nature of pain. In addition, the system's leads cover the longest span of nerves, allowing for additional coverage options as pain moves and changes.
2. Algovita's leads are designed to bend and stretch with body movement to help sustain long-term therapy. The system also features a small, wireless patient controller so patients can easily and discretely manage stimulation.
3. Compared to other spinal cord stimulation systems, Algovita has a smaller volume paddle lead giving physician eased navigation of scar tissue during the procedure. Additional features also allow physician to place the paddle and stimulation more precisely.
4. Six months after the procedure Dr. Goldthwaite reported the patient's opioid usage had reduced by over 90 percent.
5. Dr. Goldthwaite is the first physician in northern California to implant the Algovita Spinal Cord Stimulation System.