How Does DRG Stimulation
Help with Chronic Pain?
Proclaim™ DRG therapy is a novel neurostimulation technology that targets and relieves pain at the source. Traditional neurostimulation has been used safely for decades, but it doesn’t always work for people with CRPS I or causalgia (CRPS II).
Proclaim™ DRG therapy is proven to provide superior* and long-term pain relief for people with CRPS I and causalgia (CRPS II).
The Proclaim™ DRG Neurostimulation System utilizes recharge-free technology, relieving you from the time and hassles of recharging, unlike rechargeable neurostimulation systems that require frequent charging sessions or numerous office visits to maintain therapy. This means that you can get hassle-free pain relief with a battery that lasts 6.5 years at nominal settings without ever needing to charge the system.
Everyone has clusters of nerve cells along their spine called dorsal root ganglia (DRG).
In our clinical research, we have found that certain groups of DRG nerves control pain signals from specific areas of the body – such as the pelvis, groin, hip, knee, ankle and foot.
By focusing electrical stimulation specifically on the DRG, we’re able to interrupt pain signals before they reach the spinal cord or brain, so you don’t feel pain in the same way. Interrupting these pain signals at the source allows the use of low-energy levels on a recharge-free platform and helps eliminate unnecessary stimulation throughout the body.
Best of all, Proclaim™ DRG therapy can be trialed on a temporary basis before committing to another surgery.
Components of the DRG Stimulator
Generator
A small device, typically implanted in the abdomen or buttock area, that is connected to the leads.
Leads
Thin insulated wires that carry the electrical pulses from the generator to your dorsal root ganglia. These are placed in your body in the area of the DRG.
Patient Controller
A handheld “remote control” that allows you to adjust the strength of stimulation or even turn stimulation off. You now have the added flexibility of therapy management via Bluetooth®.
What to Expect from Your DRG Trial
See if DRG Stimulation Therapy is Right for Your Pain
What is a DRG Trial?
Designed to closely mimic an implanted system, a temporary evaluation system consists of three parts that work together to manage your pain:
The external generator is a small device that produces mild electrical pulses to manage your chronic pain. It can be taped or secured to your lower back and is easily hidden.
The leads are thin wires that deliver the electrical pulses from the generator to the nerves along the spinal cord responsible for your chronic pain.
The patient controller is an external, handheld device that allows you to adjust the therapy or turn it off entirely.
Before we get you started with your temporary system, though, there’s an important step you need to complete to ensure you’re ready for the procedure–and to make sure you get insurance coverage. Give us a call and we would be happy to get you started.
Preparing for Your Trial
Most insurance carriers require a psychological evaluation to address issues that may affect your pain management options. Therefore, before you start your trial, your doctor will typically refer you to a psychologist. This is very common for people considering neurostimulation. The evaluation will usually last about an hour and will help determine that you’re mentally ready for the procedure.
We will be happy to make the referral to an appropriate physician if you desire.
The Trial Evaluation Period
DRG Trial Evaluation Period
The procedure to place your temporary system is short and minimally invasive. You’ll be awake and answering questions from your medical team. During the procedure:
- Your doctor will place temporary leads in the area of your spine that coordinates with the part of your body responsible for your pain and then tests them to ensure they’re placed correctly.
- Your doctor connects the leads to a small external generator that you’ll wear outside your body (typically on your lower back) but discretely under your clothing.
- In the recovery room, your Abbott representative will program your external generator under your doctor’s guidance.
Most patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, you will get a chance to test the therapy as part of your daily life. During this evaluation period, your doctor will tell you if you have any restrictions. Most patients are able to continue to perform most of their usual activities with some exceptions.
Things To Do During Your DRG Trial
Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule.
Enjoy light activities such as walking around and shopping.
Track which stimulation settings you use and how well your pain is relieved.
Things To AVOID During Your DRG Trial
Bending, stretching, twisting, or raising your arms above your head.
Swimming or soaking in water. This also includes full showers.
Lifting anything over five pounds.
Why Try DRG Stimulation?
DRG Stimulation is Clinically Proven
ACCURATE Study (Deer, TR, Levy, RM, Kramer, J, et al. 2017)
- DRG Provides superior* and long-term pain relief
- Reduced pain an average of 81.4% at 12 months
- Provided persistent pain relief to 86% of patients at 12 months
- Improved quality of life and the ability to perform every day activities
- Eliminated the tingling sensation felt with traditional neurostimulation
Important Safety Information
Is DRG Stimulation
Therapy Right For You?
If you have chronic neuropathic pain that has not been addressed by medication or minimally invasive interventions, dorsal root ganglion stimulation may be an option for you
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