SCS Safety Precautions

Your Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) system is designed to help you manage your chronic pain so you can live life to the fullest. However, it’s important to take a few safety precautions so you can get the most out of your system.

Operating Automobiles and Other Equipment

If sudden stimulation changes occur, they may distract you from attentive operation. That’s why it’s important to not operate an automobile, other motorized vehicle or any potentially dangerous machinery/equipment with therapeutic stimulation switched on. Turn off stimulation first before operating a motorized vehicle or equipment.

Postural Changes

Changes in posture or abrupt movements may cause decreases or uncomfortable or painful increases in the perceived stimulation level. Keep the remote control with you at all times and turn the stimulation down or off before making posture changes. If unpleasant sensations occur, the stimulation should be turned off immediately.

Stimulator Location

Never attempt to change the orientation or "flip" (rotate or spin) the implant. Do not "finger" or play with the implant. If the implant flips over in your body, it cannot be charged. If you know that the device has turned, or if stimulation cannot be turned on after charging, contact your physician to arrange an evaluation of the system. In some cases, the skin over your implant may become very thin over time. If this occurs, contact your doctor.

Lead Location

In some instances, a lead can move from its original location and stimulation at the intended pain site can be lost. If this occurs, contact your physician. He or she may be able to restore stimulation by reprogramming the implant in the clinic or repositioning the lead during another operation.

Device Failure

Implants can fail at any time due to random component failure, loss of battery functionality or lead breakage. If the device stops working even after complete charging (up to four hours), turn off the stimulator and contact your physician so that the system can be evaluated.

Operating Temperature

The operating temperature of the trial stimulator and remote control is 10–40 °C (50–104 °F). For proper operation, do not use the charger if the ambient temperature is above 35 °C (95 °F).

Component Disposal

The battery in these devices can explode in fire so do not dispose of the remote control or charger in fire. Dispose of used batteries in accordance with local regulations. The stimulator should be explanted in the case of cremation and returned to Boston Scientific. External devices to be disposed of per local regulatory requirements. Please contact your healthcare professional for information.