Abbott’s Eterna SCS OK’ed for MRI Scans

Abbott Labs has earned U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to expand MRI labeling for its Eterna spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system to include MR-conditional leads. People with chronic pain can now have MRI scans in the approved outlined conditions and have a wider selection of lead options for full-body scans.
 
Patients with SCS implants often need MRIs to assess the progression of illnesses like cancer or multiple sclerosis. A recent Abbott study, according to the company, showed 93% of surgeons consider access to MRI an “important to essential” factor when choosing the best SCS for their patients.
 
The study also showed surgeons place high value on the ability to implant leads anywhere in the epidural space (between the vertebrae and the spinal cord) while still being able to conduct an MRI scan.
 
“The challenge for those who have implanted devices is the ability to secure efficient and effective scans, as well as treatment options that meet the changing needs of each patient,” Steven Falowski, M.D., Argires Marotti Neurosurgical Associates of Lancaster, Lancaster, Pa. told the press. “Abbott’s Eterna SCS system helps address these barriers and concerns with new, as well as previously implanted patients, delivering improved patient care and access.”
 
The expanded labeling means the Eterna SCS system can achieve faster scan times—half the wait compared to other SCS systems with leads on the spine. The TriCentrus paddle lead has a wide electrical array that can be scanned in normal operating mode without RF power restrictions in 1.5T MRI scanners.
 
There are full-body MRI capabilities with normal operating mode scanning on the TriCentrus paddle lead as well as improved SAR ratings on the Penta 5-column paddle lead. MR conditionality is also on the 90 cm Octrode stimulation lead for higher quality images, according to Abbott.
 
The Eterna SCS system received FDA approval to treat chronic pain in December 2022.