Spinal Cord Stimulators Under Investigation

A spinal cord stimulator, often called an SCS, is a device implanted in the body to send electrical impulses to the spinal cord. The goal is to interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain. Spinal cord stimulators are commonly used for patients with chronic pain conditions, including back pain, nerve pain, failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and other conditions that have not responded well to conservative treatment.

CohenMalad, LLP is actively reviewing spinal cord stimulator injury cases, the most common of which is manufactured by St. Jude Medical, which was acquired by Abbott. Many patients may refer to their device as a St. Jude stimulator, Abbott stimulator, Proclaim stimulator, or Eterna stimulator. Others include:

• Medtronic
• Boston Scientific
• Nevro
• Saluda Medical, Nalu Medical and more

You don't need to know the exact model of your device before contacting us. Our team can help identify the manufacturer and device type by reviewing your implant card, medical records, operative reports, or device paperwork.

Abbott and St. Jude Spinal Cord Stimulator Concerns

The FDA has identified recalls and safety issues involving certain Abbott neurostimulation systems, including spinal cord stimulation devices.

One Abbott recall involved Proclaim and Infinity implantable pulse generators that could become stuck in MRI mode. When a device is in MRI mode, therapy may be disabled. According to the FDA, some patients were unable to exit MRI mode because the patient controller could lose the ability to connect or communicate with the implanted device. In some circumstances, the affected device could require surgery to remove and replace it.

Affected Abbott devices included certain Proclaim XR, Proclaim Plus, and Proclaim DRG implantable pulse generators. Some patients may know these as Abbott or St. Jude spinal cord stimulator systems.

The FDA has also identified issues involving certain Abbott Eterna spinal cord stimulation implantable pulse generators that may experience loss of communication with the clinician programmer or patient controller.

For patients, these problems are not just technical. A spinal cord stimulator that cannot be controlled, adjusted, charged, programmed, or turned off may cause pain, loss of therapy, additional surgery, or other serious harm.

Potential Spinal Cord Stimulator Injuries and Complications

Have you been affected by serious injuries and complications after spinal cord stimulator implantation, use, revision, or removal? Contact our SCS Injury Lawsuit legal team today for a confident review of your case.

Complications that may qualify for a SCS injury lawsuit often include:

• Spinal Cord injury, paralysis or partial paralysis
• Device failure or serious malfunction
• Painful electric shocks and/or overstimulation
• Serious Infections or other debilitating injuries
• New or worsening nerve pain including worsened back, leg, neck or other nerve pain
• New numbness, weakness, or neurological symptoms
• Lead migration, lead breakage or high impedance
• Battery failure, inability to communicate with the device, turn the device on or off, or exit MRI mode

Serious complications such as these raise important questions about whether the device was defective, whether warnings were adequate, whether the implant surgery was performed properly, whether the device was programmed or managed appropriately, and whether the patient was fully informed of the risks.

To have your case evaluated for a potential SCS injury claim, contact the experienced medical device attorney team leading these matters. Consultations are always free, confidential and no obligation.
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Some Spinal Cord Stimulator Cases Can Be Complicated

Spinal cord stimulator cases often require detailed investigation. The medical records may include pain management records, surgical records, device programming records, radiology images, hospital records, follow-up visits, device representative notes, adverse event reports, and explant records. The device itself may also matter, especially if it was removed and preserved.

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CohenMalad, LLP Is Accepting New Spinal Cord Stimulator Cases

CohenMalad, LLP is actively investigating spinal cord stimulator injury claims and opening new cases.

Our attorneys represent clients in medical device, medical malpractice, personal injury, and complex litigation matters. We help injured patients understand their rights, review medical records, investigate what went wrong, and determine whether they may have a claim.

If you suffered serious harm after receiving an Abbott, St. Jude, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Nevro, or other spinal cord stimulator, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Deadlines may apply, and waiting too long can affect your legal rights.