Pain relief breakthrough now available in Guam

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

The Inceptiv Spinal Cord Stimulator, a state-of-the-art pain management solution, is now available at Guam Regional Medical City.

The Medtronic product is listed among Time magazine’s Best Inventions of 2024. 

Now FDA-approved for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and designed to treat a range of chronic nerve-related conditions, this breakthrough offers Guam’s first smart spinal cord therapy for patients living with pain from diabetes, nerve damage or other chronic conditions.

The Inceptiv system uses closed-loop sensing technology to automatically adjust stimulation in real-time—up to 3,000 times per minute—providing consistent pain relief and a more natural experience for patients.

“This technology represents a breakthrough for patients who have tried medications, injections or other pain management options without success,” said Dr. Scott Dulebohn, GRMC neurosurgeon. “The Inceptiv™ stimulator senses and responds to the body in real time, ensuring steady, personalized therapy so our patients can return to their daily lives with less pain and more comfort.”

Noting a high prevalence of diabetes on Guam, GRMC said Inceptiv™ offers new hope to thousands who suffer from diabetic foot and leg pain, known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This debilitating condition causes burning, tingling, and stabbing pain that medications often fail to relieve.

“Many people don’t realize that diabetic nerve pain can now be treated with advanced, non-drug therapy,” said Jake Ryan, Medtronic representative.

Ryan said the spinal cord stimulator for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which was approved last year, "offers patients relief they never thought possible.”

While Inceptiv™ is a significant advancement for diabetic nerve pain, it’s also proven effective for those living with chronic back pain, sciatica, leg pain, post-surgical nerve pain, or conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

The device works by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain, offering lasting relief for patients who have not responded to medication, injections, or physical therapy.

The Inceptiv™ SCS system uses gentle electrical stimulation to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. Patients first undergo a minimally invasive three to five-day trial, allowing them to test the therapy before committing to a permanent implant.

“Inceptiv™ isn’t just for people suffering from chronic nerve-related pain. It’s also for those dealing with diabetes,” said Dr. Dulebohn. “What makes it special is how it customizes pain relief in real time, no matter the source of the pain.”

GRMC explained that, unlike traditional spinal cord stimulator systems that deliver a fixed stimulation, Inceptiv™ is closed-loop, meaning it senses the body’s response and automatically adjusts stimulation to maintain consistent therapy, even as the patient moves, laughs, or coughs.

“This closed-loop technology keeps pain relief consistent, no matter how you move,” Dulebohn said. “It’s like having a device that automatically adjusts itself for you, so you don’t have to think about it or constantly reprogram it. It makes pain therapy more natural and effective.”

Dulebohn said Inceptiv™ SCS is ideal for patients who want to avoid extensive surgery or long-term medications.

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