Cutting edge AI device treats chronic pain in Australian first

A spinal cord stimulation device powered by artificial intelligence has been successfully used by an Australian patient for the first time.

The implanted device uses Nevro® HFX AdaptivAI™ combines insights from more than 100,000 patients and more than 100 million data points¹ - and leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver responsive and personalised pain relief in real time*.

The new treatment has provided meaningful pain relief for an Adelaide woman who is the first Nevro HFX AdaptivAI™ patient in Australia using “iQ mode”, which provides her and her care team with valuable insights.

Patients who have battled chronic pain can now undergo a trial to find out whether this treatment will work for them, when other treatments have failed to provide pain relief. 

Global medical device company Nevro® has released the result of Adelaide mother Kristy’s treatment to mark September’s International Pain Month.

Dr Matthew Green, from PainMed SA, said the use of Nevro® HFX AdaptivAI™ technology is supported by landmark evidence with randomised control trials for back and leg pain, non-surgical back pain, and painful diabetic neuropathy.

“One in five Australian adults suffer from pain, which has an enormous impact on their quality of life,” Dr Green said.

“AI powered devices represent a game-changing advancement towards treating our patients with chronic pain.

“Kristy received her spinal cord stimulation implant six weeks ago and she’s already experiencing significant pain relief.”

Mother of three Kristy has lived with chronic pain, osteoarthritis, neuropathy, restless legs, depression and anxiety for more than two decades.

Over the years, she has received a range of medication and treatments from many practitioners, however her pain and symptoms have persisted.

“My beautiful school-aged children only know me as this,” Kristy said.

“Things as simple as making meals, grocery shopping, washing dishes and clothes were extremely difficult because I couldn’t stand for more than five minutes without pain.

“I had to do tasks in stages, so I didn’t aggravate my already existing pain. After only six weeks since the procedure, I’m now able to do general day-to-day things in fewer stages.

“I can stand for more than five minutes with less pain, and I sleep so much better now.

“My family and friends have noticed a huge improvement in my appearance and my mood.

“I have started walking again and even though the walk is only 1km and at my pace, it’s an example of the noticeable difference.”

“I can’t wait to see what my Nevro® spinal cord stimulator will allow me to do next.”

Spinal cord stimulation using Nevro® HFX AdaptivAI™ technology is available in Australia. To learn more about this speak with an Interventional Pain Specialist https://www.nevrohfx.com/en-au/find-a-physician/.