Columbia VA Health Care System Performs First Spinal Cord Stimulation Implantation

The procedure, conducted by Drs. Chikezie Okeagu, Paul Getter, and Yusef Sayeed, used the Abbott Eterna™ SCS system to help improve a Veteran’s quality of life and reduce chronic pain.

This new treatment offers a breakthrough for Veterans dealing with long-term pain when other methods have not worked.

“This is significant as it represents an expansion of potential treatments for our Veterans,” said Dr. Okeagu. “Neuromodulation techniques are becoming an essential part of chronic pain treatment, and it’s exciting that we can now offer these therapies here at Dorn.”

The procedure began with a test phase to ensure the device would help the patient. During this trial, temporary wires were placed near the spinal cord to see if the device relieved pain. If the trial worked well—reducing the patient’s pain by at least 50%—the team proceeded with a permanent implantation.

For the permanent procedure, the patient was placed under general anesthesia. The team inserted tiny wires, called leads, near the spinal cord in the same locations used during the trial. They also created a small pocket under the skin on the patient’s side to hold the battery that powers the device. Once the wires and battery were connected, the incisions were closed.

“The process is relatively straightforward,” said Dr. Getter. “The technology is self-contained and requires minimal maintenance beyond occasional recharging and eventual battery replacement every seven to ten years.”

Dr. Allen Burton, Abbott’s divisional vice president and chief medical officer for neuromodulation, explained what makes the Eterna™ system unique. “This is the world’s smallest implantable SCS system with the lowest recharge requirement,” Burton said. “We designed Eterna to only need five recharge sessions a year when used at standard settings, which is up to 95% less charging time than other SCS systems.”

Spinal cord stimulation is designed to help people who have chronic pain from past surgeries, injuries, or painful spinal conditions. The device works by blocking pain signals before they reach the brain, reducing or even eliminating the sensation of pain.

“Chronic pain can be debilitating,” said Dr. Okeagu. “This device offers a chance for patients to regain an active, fulfilling lifestyle without relying on narcotic medications.”

Dr. Getter added that the device is especially effective for conditions like diabetic nerve pain, failed back surgeries, and other types of severe pain that don’t respond well to traditional treatments. “Our patient population will greatly benefit from this technology,” he said.

The success of the procedure was made possible by the teamwork of the operating room (OR) staff, including nurses, technicians, and other medical professionals.

“Prior to the surgery, we developed a comprehensive plan to ensure everything went smoothly,” said Dr. Okeagu. “Each team member brought their unique expertise, contributing to an excellent outcome.”

Now that the procedure has been successfully performed, the Columbia VA Health Care System plans to offer it to more Veterans. Each patient will need to go through a trial phase to ensure they are a good candidate.

“Having now performed this procedure at Dorn, we can offer it to more Veterans who meet the criteria and show positive results during the trial phase,” said Dr. Getter.

In addition to spinal cord stimulation, the medical center is preparing to offer spine surgeries in the future, which will address a wide range of back problems common in Veterans.

“We’re constantly working to bring the latest and best treatments to our Veterans and improve their quality of life,” Getter said.

For more information about what’s going on at the Veterans medical center, clinic locations and other services available to Veterans in and around Columbia, visit the website https://www.va.gov/columbia-south-carolina-health-care/and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, keyword: VAColumbiaSC.