St Jude gains Japanese approval for spinal cord stimulation system

1 Oct 2010

St Jude Medical, Inc. (NYSE:STJ) has received Japanese approval to market its Eon Mini spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system in the country.

The neurostimulator is used to manage chronic pain of the trunk or limbs and pain from failed back surgery by delivering mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, which interrupt or mask the pain signals’ transmission to the brain.

The rechargeable neurostimulator weighs just 29 grams and has a 10mm profile, giving greater implant depth and patient comfort than other devices. Its small size also allows for a smaller incision, which gives physicians increased flexibility in selecting the implant location.

“With the Eon Mini neurostimulator we are now able to offer physicians a best-in-class product to help them meet the needs of patients who require a smaller, long-lasting rechargeable system in order to manage their chronic pain,” said William Phillips, president of St Jude Medical Japan. “The launch of the Eon Mini spinal cord system — the first rechargeable technology in Japan — is an excellent addition to our growing portfolio of neurostimulation products available from St Jude Medical Japan.”