Eterna™ Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) System

Prescription And Safety Information

Read this section to gather important prescription and safety information. 

Intended Use

The Eterna™ Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) System is designed to deliver low-intensity electrical impulses to nerve structures. The system is intended to be used with leads and associated extensions that are compatible with the system.

Indications For Use

The Eterna™ SCS System is indicated as an aid in the management of chronic, intractable pain of the trunk and/or limbs, including unilateral or bilateral pain associated with the following: failed back surgery syndrome and intractable low back and leg pain.

Contraindications

The Eterna™ SCS System is contraindicated for patients who are unable to operate the system or who have failed to receive effective pain relief during trial stimulation.

MRI Safety Information

Some models of this system are Magnetic Resonance (MR) Conditional, and patients with these devices may be scanned safely with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when the conditions for safe scanning are met. 

For more information about MR Conditional neurostimulation components and systems, including equipment settings, scanning procedures, and a complete listing of conditionally approved components, refer to the MRI procedures clinician's manual for neurostimulation systems (available online at medical.abbott/manuals). 

For more information about MR Conditional products, visit the Abbott Medical product information page at neuromodulation.abbott/us/en/healthcare-professionals/mri-support.html. 

Warnings

The following warnings apply to this neurostimulation system.

Poor surgical risks. Neurostimulation should not be used on patients who are poor surgical candidates. Neurostimulation should not be used for patients with comorbidities that could prevent successful implant or effective therapy.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Some patients may be implanted with the components that make up a Magnetic Resonance (MR) Conditional system, which allows them to receive an MRI scan if all the requirements for the implanted components and for scanning are met. A physician can help determine if a patient is eligible to receive an MRI scan by following the requirements provided by Abbott Medical.

Physicians should also discuss any risks of MRI with patients. Patients without an MR Conditional neurostimulation system should not be subjected to MRI because the electromagnetic field generated by an MRI may damage the device electronics and induce voltage through the lead that could jolt or shock the patient.

Diathermy therapy. Do not use short-wave diathermy, microwave diathermy, or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy (all now referred to as diathermy) on patients implanted with a neurostimulation system. Energy from diathermy can be transferred through the implanted system and cause tissue damage at the location of the implanted electrodes, resulting in severe injury or death.

Diathermy is further prohibited because it may also damage the neurostimulation system components. This damage could result in loss of therapy, requiring additional surgery for system implantation and replacement. Injury or damage can occur during diathermy treatment whether the neurostimulation system is turned on or off.

Electrosurgery. To avoid harming the patient or damaging the neurostimulation system, do not use monopolar electrosurgery devices on patients with implanted neurostimulation systems. If use of electrocautery is necessary, place the neurostimulator in Surgery mode using the clinician programmer app or the patient controller app before using an electrosurgery device.

During the implant procedure, if an electrosurgery device must be used, take the following actions:.

• Use bipolar electrosurgery only.

• Place the neurostimulator in Surgery mode before using an electrosurgery device.

• Set the electrosurgery device to the lowest possible energy setting. Output power below 80 W is recommended for all activations.

• Complete any electrosurgery before connecting the leads or extensions to the neurostimulator.

• Keep the current paths from the electrosurgery device as far from the neurostimulation system as possible.

• Exit Surgery mode during intraoperative testing and after the procedure is completed. NOTE: During intraoperative testing, Surgery mode must be turned off for the neurostimulation system to function correctly.

• Confirm that the neurostimulation system is functioning correctly during the implant procedure, before closing the neurostimulator pocket, and after the implant procedure.

After any surgery, check the neurostimulation system for the following: 

• Check the neurostimulator to ensure Surgery mode has been turned off, even if Surgery mode was not turned on at the beginning or during the procedure.

• Confirm the neurostimulation system is functioning.

Implanted cardiac systems. Physicians need to be aware of the risk and possible interaction between a neurostimulation system and an implanted cardiac system, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator. Electrical pulses from a neurostimulation system may interact with the sensing operation of an implanted cardiac system, causing the cardiac system to respond inappropriately. To minimize or prevent the implanted cardiac system from sensing the output of the neurostimulation system:

1. Maximize the distance between the implanted systems (minimum separation distance of approximately 8 cm (3 in.) between lead ends is recommended); 
2. Verify that the neurostimulation system is not interfering with the function of the implanted cardiac system; and 
3. Consider bipolar programming of both devices and use neurostimulation system settings that do not interfere with the function of the implantable cardiac system.

Other active implanted devices. The neurostimulation system may interfere with the normal operation of another active implanted device, such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, or another type of neurostimulator. Conversely, the other active implanted device may interfere with the operation of the neurostimulation system.

Interference with other devices. Some of this system’s electronic equipment, such as the programmer and controller, can radiate radiofrequency (RF) energy that may interfere with other electronic devices, including other active implanted devices. Avoid placing equipment components directly over other electronic devices. To correct the effect of interference with other devices, turn off the equipment or increase the distance between the equipment and the device being affected.

Operation of machines, equipment, and vehicles. Patients using therapy that generates paresthesia should turn off stimulation before operating motorized vehicles, such as automobiles, or potentially dangerous machinery and equipment because sudden stimulation changes may distract them from properly operating it. However, current data shows that most patients using BurstDR™ stimulation therapy do not experience paresthesia. For patients who do not feel paresthesia, sudden stimulation changes are less likely to occur and distract them while operating motorized vehicles, machinery, or equipment.

Explosive and flammable gasses. Do not use a clinician programmer or patient controller around explosive or flammable gas fumes or vapors. This includes oxygen-enriched environments such as hyperbaric chambers. Operating the device near gas fumes or vapors could cause them to catch fire. If gas fumes or vapors catch fire, it could cause severe burns, injury, or death.

Keep dry to avoid damage. Clinician programmers, patient controllers, and chargers are not waterproof. Keep them dry to avoid damage. Advise patients to not use their devices when engaging in activities that might cause them to get wet, such as swimming or bathing.

Pediatric use. Safety and effectiveness of neurostimulation for pediatric use have not been established.

Pregnancy and nursing. Safety and effectiveness of neurostimulation for use during pregnancy and nursing have not been established.

Device components. The use of components not approved for use by Abbott Medical with this system may result in damage to the system and increased risk to the patient.

Device modification. This equipment is not serviceable by the customer. To prevent injury or damage to the system, do not modify the equipment. If needed, return the equipment to Abbott Medical for service. 

Application modification. To prevent unintended stimulation, do not modify the generator software in any way. Only apply software updates that are published directly by Abbott Medical.

Case damage. Do not handle the generator if the case is pierced or ruptured because severe burns could result from exposure to battery chemicals.

Generator disposal. Return all explanted generators to Abbott Medical for safe disposal. Generators contain batteries as well as other potentially hazardous materials. Do not crush, puncture, or burn the generator because explosion or fire may result.

Product materials. Neurostimulation systems have materials that come in contact or may come in contact with tissue. A physician should determine whether or not a patient may have an allergic reaction to these materials before the system is implanted.

Precautions

The following precautions apply to this neurostimulation system.

General Precautions

• Clinician training. Implanting physicians should be experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain syndromes and have undergone surgical and device implantation training.

• Patient selection. It is extremely important to select patients appropriately for neurostimulation. Thorough psychiatric screening should be performed. Patients should not be dependent on drugs and should be able to operate the neurostimulation system.

• Infection. Follow proper infection control procedures. Patients should avoid charging their generator over an incision that has not completely healed. Infections related to system implantation might require that the device be explanted.

• Implantation of two systems. If two systems are implanted, ensure that at least 20 cm (8 in.) separates the implanted generators to minimize unintended interaction with other system components.

• Implantation of multiple leads. If multiple leads are implanted, leads and extensions should be routed in close proximity. Nonadjacent leads can possibly create a conduit for stray electromagnetic energy that could cause the patient unwanted stimulation.

• Implant heating. While charging the generator, patients may perceive an increase in temperature at the generator site. In patients who have areas of increased sensitivity to heat, consider placing the implant where the patient has normal sensation.

• High stimulation outputs. Stimulation at high outputs may cause unpleasant sensations or motor disturbances or render the patient incapable of controlling the generator. If unpleasant sensations occur, turn off stimulation immediately.

• Electromagnetic interference (EMI). Some equipment in home, work, medical, and public environments can generate EMI that is strong enough to interfere with the operation of a neurostimulation system or damage system components. Patients should avoid getting too close to these types of EMI sources, which include the following examples: commercial electrical equipment (such as arc welders and induction furnaces), communication equipment (such as microwave transmitters and high-power amateur transmitters), high voltage power lines, radiofrequency identification (RFID) devices, and some medical procedures (such as therapeutic radiation and electromagnetic lithotripsy).

• Consumer goods and electronic devices. Magnetic interference with consumer goods or electronic devices that contain magnets, such as mobile phones and smart watches, may unintentionally cause the neurostimulation system to turn on or turn off or affect communication between the device and generator; however, it will not change the prescribed programmed parameters.

  Patients should be advised to keep their mobile phones and smart watches at least 15 cm (6 in.) away from the generator and avoid placing any smart device in a pocket near the generator. If a patient is concerned about a smart device interacting with their neurostimulation system, consider disabling magnet mode. For more information about setting the magnet mode, refer to the clinician programmer manual or contact Technical Support.

• Lead movement. Patients should be instructed to avoid bending, twisting, stretching, and lifting objects over 2 kg (5 lb) for six to eight weeks after implantation of a neurostimulation system. Extension of the upper torso or neck may cause lead movement and alter the stimulation field (especially with leads in the cervical area), resulting in overstimulation or ineffective stimulation.

• Patient training. Instruct patients to use their neurostimulation system only after an authorized clinician has programmed the generator and has trained the patient on how to safely control stimulation and to charge the system.

• Programmer use. Allow only authorized use of the clinician programmer to avoid any programming changes that may injure a patient.

Sterilization and Storage

• Single-use, sterile device. The implanted components of this neurostimulation system are intended for a single use only. Sterile components in this kit have been sterilized using ethylene oxide (EtO) gas before shipment and are supplied in sterile packaging to permit direct introduction into the sterile field. Do not resterilize or reimplant an explanted system for any reason.

• Storage environment. Store components and their packaging where they will not come in contact with liquids of any kind.

Handling and Implementation

• Expiration date. An expiration date (or “use-before” date) is printed on the packaging. Do not use the system if the use-before date has expired.

• Recharge-by date. A recharge-by date is printed on the packaging. If this date has been reached or has been exceeded before the date of implantation, the generator should be charged prior to implantation.

• Handle the device with care. The clinician programmer and patient controller are sensitive electronic devices that can be damaged by rough handling, such as dropping them on the ground.

• Care and handling of components. Use extreme care when handling system components prior to implantation. Excessive heat, excessive traction, excessive bending, excessive twisting, or the use of sharp instruments may damage and cause failure of the components.

• Package or component damage. Do not implant a device if the sterile package, the device, or any device components show signs of damage, tampering, or if the sterile seal is ruptured, or contamination is suspected for any reason. Return any suspect components to Abbott Medical for evaluation.

• Exposure to body fluids or saline. Exposure of the metal contacts, such as those on the connection end of a lead or extension, to body fluids or saline prior to connection can lead to corrosion. If such exposure occurs, clean the affected parts with sterile, deionized water or sterile water for irrigation, and dry them completely prior to lead connection and implantation.

• System testing. To ensure correct operation, always test the system during the implant procedure, before closing the neurostimulator pocket, and before the patient leaves the surgery suite.

Hospitals and Medical Environments

• High-output ultrasonics and lithotripsy. The use of high-output devices, such as an electrohydraulic lithotriptor, may damage the electronic circuitry of an implanted generator. If lithotripsy must be used, do not focus the energy near the generator.

• Ultrasonic scanning equipment. The use of ultrasonic scanning equipment may cause mechanical damage to an implanted neurostimulation system if used directly over the implanted system.

• External defibrillators. Safety for use of external defibrillator discharges on a patient receiving neurostimulation has not been established. External defibrillation can cause induced currents in the leadextension portion of the neurostimulation system. After defibrillation, confirm the neurostimulation system is still working.

• Therapeutic radiation. Therapeutic radiation may damage the electronic circuitry of an implanted neurostimulation system, although no testing has been done and no definite information on radiation effects is available. Sources of therapeutic radiation include therapeutic X rays, cobalt machines, and linear accelerators. If radiation therapy is required, the area over the implanted generator should be shielded with lead. Damage to the system may not be immediately detectable.

Home and Occupational Environments

• Security, antitheft, and radiofrequency identification (RFID) devices. Some antitheft devices, such as those used at entrances or exits of department stores, libraries, and other public places, and airport security screening devices may affect stimulation.

  Additionally, RFID devices, which are often used to read identification badges, as well as some tag deactivation devices, such as those used at payment counters at stores and loan desks at libraries, may also affect stimulation. Patients who are implanted with nonadjacent multiple leads and patients who are sensitive to low stimulation thresholds may experience a momentary increase in their perceived stimulation, which some patients have described as uncomfortable or jolting. 

Patients should cautiously approach such devices and should request help to bypass them. If they must go through a gate or doorway containing this type of device, patients should turn off their generator and proceed with caution, being sure to move through the device quickly.

• Scuba diving or hyperbaric chambers. Before diving or using a hyperbaric chamber, patients should contact their physician to discuss the effects of high pressure on their implanted system. Implanted systems with non-Abbott leads have not been evaluated for safety while scuba diving or in hyperbaric chambers.

  Patients with implanted Abbott leads should avoid scuba diving in more than 30 m (100 ft) of water or entering hyperbaric chambers above 4.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA) for any length of time, as this may damage the neurostimulation system. For less than 30 m (100 ft) of water or pressures below 4.0 ATA, durations of less than 60 minutes are recommended.

• Wireless use restrictions. In some environments, the use of wireless functions (for example, Bluetooth® wireless technology) may be restricted. Such restrictions may apply aboard airplanes, near explosives, or in hazardous locations. If you are unsure of the policy that applies to the use of this device, please ask for authorization to use it before turning it on.

Adverse Effects

In addition to those risks commonly associated with surgery, the following risks are associated with using this neurostimulation system:

• Unpleasant sensations or motor disturbances, including involuntary movement, caused by stimulation at high outputs (If either occurs, turn off your generator immediately.)

• Undesirable changes in stimulation, which may be related to cellular changes in tissue around the electrodes, changes in electrode position, loose electrical connections, or lead failure.

• Stimulation in unwanted places (such as radicular stimulation of the chest wall) 

• Lead migration, causing changes in stimulation or reduced pain relief 

• Epidural hemorrhage, hematoma, infection, spinal cord compression, or paralysis from placement of a lead in the epidural space

• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage 

• Paralysis, weakness, clumsiness, numbness, or pain below the level of the implant 

• Persistent pain at the electrode or generator site 

• Seroma (mass or swelling) at the generator site 

• Allergic or rejection response to implant materials 

• Implant migration or skin erosion around the implant 

• Battery failure

Safety And Effectiveness Studies

For information that supports the clinical use of this neurostimulation system, refer to the clinical summaries manual for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) systems. This neurostimulation system is similar in technology and intended use to the systems reported in the literature and clinical studies. Therefore, the literature and clinical studies represent the safety and effectiveness of this neurostimulation system.

72750 MAT-2215018 v2.0 | Item approved for U.S. use only.