Medtronics MyStim® Programmer

The MyStim® programmer allows you to adjust and manage stimulation on your Medtronic spinal cord stimulation system. With MyStim, you can take an active role in managing your pain.

FEATURES

  • Hand-held, wireless device, similar to a remote control
  • Increased control over your pain therapy
  • Access to MRI information programmed in the implanted neurostimulator
  • Easy activation or deactivation of MRI mode

Demonstration Videos

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How does the Medtronics MyStim® Programmer work?

The Medtronic MyStim® Programmer is a handheld device used by patients and healthcare providers to manage and adjust neurostimulation therapy, typically for conditions such as chronic pain or movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease. Here’s an overview of how the MyStim® Programmer works:

What is the MyStim® Programmer?

The MyStim® Programmer is designed to control Medtronic neurostimulator implants. These implants deliver electrical pulses to specific areas of the nervous system to help manage symptoms. The MyStim® Programmer allows patients and their doctors to adjust the settings of the neurostimulator to optimize therapy.

Key Features and Functions

  • Patient and Clinician Modes: The device has different modes for patients and clinicians. Patients can make limited adjustments to their therapy, such as turning the neurostimulator on or off, changing between pre-set therapy programs, or adjusting the stimulation intensity within a range set by the clinician. Clinicians have access to advanced settings to fine-tune the therapy.
  • Touchscreen Interface: The MyStim® Programmer features a touchscreen interface that is user-friendly and intuitive. Patients can easily navigate the device to make adjustments or check the status of their neurostimulator.
  • Wireless Communication: The device communicates wirelessly with the implanted neurostimulator. This allows for easy adjustments without the need for physical connection or invasive procedures.
  • Customizable Settings: The neurostimulation therapy can be tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Clinicians can program specific parameters such as pulse width, frequency, and amplitude, and patients can select from these pre-programmed options.

How to Use the MyStim® Programmer

  1. Turning the Device On: The MyStim® Programmer is turned on by pressing the power button. It may require entering a passcode or following prompts to access different functions.
  2. Connecting to the Neurostimulator: Once the device is on, it will attempt to connect wirelessly to the implanted neurostimulator. This connection must be established before making any adjustments.
  3. Adjusting Therapy: Patients can adjust their therapy using the options available in the patient mode:
    • Switching Programs: Patients can switch between different therapy programs that have been pre-set by their clinician.
    • Adjusting Stimulation Levels: Patients can increase or decrease the intensity of the stimulation within the limits set by their clinician.
    • Checking Battery Status: The device provides information on the battery status of the neurostimulator.
  4. Saving Changes: After making adjustments, the patient saves the changes, and the neurostimulator will immediately apply the new settings.

Safety and Troubleshooting

  • Safety Features: The MyStim® Programmer includes safety features to prevent unauthorized changes or excessive adjustments. Patients can only modify settings within the range allowed by their clinician.
  • Troubleshooting: If the device fails to connect or there are issues with the neurostimulator, the MyStim® Programmer provides troubleshooting tips and may prompt the patient to contact their healthcare provider for further assistance.

Maintenance

  • Battery Life: The MyStim® Programmer is rechargeable, and patients should ensure it is adequately charged to avoid interruptions in therapy.
  • Regular Updates: Clinicians may update the device’s software during follow-up visits to ensure it remains compatible with the latest treatment protocols.

The Medtronic MyStim® Programmer is a critical tool that empowers patients to manage their neurostimulation therapy effectively, providing them with greater control over their treatment and improving their quality of life.

Guidelines, Specifications & User Manuals

User Manual

Quick Reference

Helpful Information

Spinal cord stimulation may reduce your chronic pain and improve your ability to go about your daily activities. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks associated with using a neurostimulator for your chronic pain.

Many people experience improvements in their pain symptoms and quality of life after receiving Medtronic spinal cord stimulation.  Benefits may include:

  • Improved ability to function and participate in activities of daily living1
  • Effective pain relief
  • Personalised pain management
  • Controllable—you can manage your own therapy
  • Reversible

In addition, this treatment:

  • Can be adjusted to provide different levels of stimulation for various activities and times of day
  • Lets you try the therapy for a short period of time before you receive a permanent implant

NEUROSTIMULATION RISKS

Some patients do experience problems. Frequently reported problems following the neurostimulator implant surgery include infection, lead movement, pain at the implant site, loss of therapy effect, and therapy that did not meet the patient’s expectations.

For a complete list of side effects that have been associated with the therapy, refer to the Important Safety Information. Please talk with your doctor to fully understand the risks and benefits.

REFERENCES

1Kumar K, Taylor RS, Jacques L, et al. Spinal cord stimulation versus conventional medical management for neuropathic pain: a multicentre randomized controlled trial in patients with failed back surgery syndrome. Pain. 2007;132:179-188.

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