News | February 27, 2006

New Compact Neurostimulation Programming Platform Provides Easy-to-Use Interface

Plano, TX - Advanced Neuromodulation Systems (ANS), the Neuromodulation business of St. Jude Medical, Inc., announced its newest programming platform, Rapid Programmer 3.0, for the management of spinal cord stimulation, a therapy used for treating chronic pain of the trunk and limbs. Introduced at the 22nd American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) annual meeting in San Diego, California, this platform delivers advanced programming features, including Dynamic MultiStim and Active Balancing programming, both of which are industry firsts.

Rapid Programmer 3.0 is a small and light-weight (6.49 ounce) clinician programmer. This powerful handheld system features enhanced graphics and an intuitive Windows-based graphical user interface. It is also available as a software upgrade to the ANS Rapid Programmer platform, first introduced to the market in September 2003, and is fully-compatible with the full family of ANS spinal cord stimulation products, including the Eon, Genesis, GenesisXP, GenesisRC, and Renew neurostimulation systems, as well as the MTS trial stimulator.

"The new Rapid Programmer 3.0 empowers clinicians to deliver more efficient and effective patient care and is designed to decrease the average postoperative programming time," said Chris Chavez, president of Advanced Neuromodulation Systems. "For the first time, clinicians have the ability to test and make real-time changes to multiple areas of stimulation coverage."

Key features of Rapid Programmer 3.0 include:

  • Dynamic MultiStim - This advanced electrical field management technology allows for precise real-time optimization of multiple areas of stimulation coverage.
  • Active Balancing - This capability enables the clinician to fine tune the amplitude levels of various stimulation coverage areas simultaneously, easily establishing a comfortable level for the patient.
  • Calibrated Testing - This automated feature allows the clinician to map the neurostimulation system's interaction with the patient's nervous system and quickly move through programming scenarios.
  • Patient Database - Rapid Programmer 3.0 contains an easily-accessible, large-capacity database that securely stores patient records on a single programmable card. Vital patient information, such as stimulation parameters for trial and permanent implants, can be captured during programming and stored in one paper-free location. Information can also be exported for use with other programs.

SOURCE: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems (ANS)