New Compact Neurostimulation Programming Platform Provides Easy-to-use Interface

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New Compact Neurostimulation Programming Platform Provides Easy-to-

use Interface, Enhanced Graphics, And Significant Programming Advances

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=38483

Advanced Neuromodulation Systems (ANS), the Neuromodulation business

of St. Jude Medical, Inc. (NYSE:STJ), today announced its newest

programming platform, Rapid Programmer® 3.0, for the management of

spinal cord stimulation, a therapy used for treating chronic pain of

the trunk and limbs. Introduced at the 22nd American Academy of Pain

Medicine (AAPM) annual meeting in San Diego, California, this

platform delivers advanced programming features, including Dynamic

MultiStim™ and Active Balancing™ programming, both of which are

industry firsts.

Rapid Programmer 3.0 is the smallest and lightest-weight (6.49 ounce)

clinician programmer in the industry. This powerful handheld system

features enhanced graphics and an intuitive Windows®-based graphical

user interface. It is also available as a software upgrade to the ANS

Rapid Programmer® platform, first introduced to the market in

September 2003, and is fully-compatible with the full family of ANS

spinal cord stimulation products, including the Eon™, Genesis®,

GenesisXP™, GenesisRC™, and Renew® neurostimulation systems, as well

as the MTS® trial stimulator.

" The new Rapid Programmer 3.0 empowers clinicians to deliver more

efficient and effective patient care and is designed to decrease the

average postoperative programming time, " said Chavez, president

of Advanced Neuromodulation Systems. " For the first time, clinicians

have the ability to test and make real-time changes to multiple areas

of stimulation coverage. "

Key features of Rapid Programmer 3.0 include:

-- Dynamic MultiStim - This advanced electrical field management

technology allows for precise real-time optimization of multiple

areas of stimulation coverage.

-- Active Balancing - This capability enables the clinician to fine

tune the amplitude levels of various stimulation coverage areas

simultaneously, easily establishing a comfortable level for the

patient.

-- Calibrated Testing - This automated feature allows the clinician

to map the neurostimulation system's interaction with the patient's

nervous system and quickly move through programming scenarios.

-- Patient Database - Rapid Programmer 3.0 contains an easily-

accessible, large-capacity database that securely stores patient

records on a single programmable card. Vital patient information,

such as stimulation parameters for trial and permanent implants, can

be captured during programming and stored in one paper-free location.

Information can also be exported for use with other programs.

About Advanced Neuromodulation Systems (ANS)

ANS (http://www.ans-medical.com) is an innovative technology leader

dedicated to the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of

implantable neuromodulation systems to improve the quality of life

for people suffering from disabling chronic pain and other nervous

system disorders. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, ANS is a division of

St. Jude Medical (http://www.sjm.com).