SCS Therapy: The Complete Guide
Part 1: Device Comparison
Major Manufacturers Available in Japan
Currently, there are three major manufacturers providing SCS systems in Japan.
| Manufacturer | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Medtronic | World's largest manufacturer, extensive track record. 3.0T MRI compatible |
| Boston Scientific | Wide range of stimulation modes |
| Abbott | Offers both rechargeable and non-rechargeable options |
Please note:
The operator of this website does not have experience with Abbott products, so the comparison tables below cover only Medtronic and Boston Scientific.
Detailed Device Comparison
Basic Specifications
| Feature | Medtronic | Boston Scientific |
|---|---|---|
| Battery type | Rechargeable / Non-rechargeable | Rechargeable / Non-rechargeable |
| Charging frequency (rechargeable) | Daily to once a week (see below) | Daily to once a week (see below) |
| Body size | Compact | Compact |
| MRI compatibility | 1.5T full body + 3.0T full body (conditional) | 1.5T full body (conditional) |
About charging frequency:
The charging frequency of rechargeable devices varies significantly depending on the type and intensity of stimulation.
| Stimulation setting | Approximate charging frequency | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Paresthesia-free programs | Daily to every other day | Higher output consumes more power |
| Conventional programs (with paresthesia) | About once a week | Relatively lower output |
| Higher output settings | More frequently | Proportional to power consumption |
Charging is done by placing a dedicated charger on the skin over the device. Each session takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Stimulation Technology
| Feature | Medtronic | Boston Scientific |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional stimulation (with paresthesia) | Yes | Yes |
| Paresthesia-free programs | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic adjustment based on body movement | Yes | -- |
Both manufacturers offer programs with and without paresthesia. While the technical approaches differ between manufacturers, there is no major difference in the types of stimulation available to patients.
Patient Controls
| Feature | Medtronic | Boston Scientific |
|---|---|---|
| Remote control | Dedicated remote | Dedicated remote |
| App support | Partial | Partial |
Which Manufacturer Should You Choose?
The bottom line: both manufacturers produce high-quality products, and the differences are not significant.
Key factors to consider:
| What matters most to you | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Track record and reliability | Medtronic (world's largest manufacturer) |
| Variety of stimulation options | Boston Scientific |
| Your doctor's experience | Most important -- choose the manufacturer your doctor is most experienced with |
Important:
The choice of device matters less than your doctor's skill and experience. In practice, choosing the manufacturer your doctor knows best is the most sensible approach.