Edward Kowlowitz, MD is the 1st Doctor in Indiana to Implant the New St. Jude Medical Protege MRI Spinal Cord Stimulator Just One Week After the New Medical Device Receives FDA Approval

Edward Kowlowitz, MD, leading authority on chronic neuropathic pain, international leader in spinal cord stimulation therapy and founder of the Center for Pain Management in Indianapolis, is the first physician in Indiana to implant the world’s smallest upgradeable MR-conditional spinal cord stimulator (SCS), the St. Jude Medical Protégé™ MRI. Dr. Kowlowitz implanted the new SCS in a local Indianapolis pain patient just one week after the innovative medical device received FDA approval. Since 1992, Dr. Kowlowitz’s medical practice has treated more than 50,000 Hoosiers for chronic pain and implants 120 spinal cord stimulators each year. The practice is committed to offering its patients immediate access to the market’s newest medical advances in pain treatment and management.

The New Upgradeable St. Jude Medical Protege MRI Spinal Cord Stimulator Allows Patients to Safely Undergo MRI Scans

The St. Jude Medical Protégé MRI is the smallest MR-conditional SCS implantable pulse generator (IPG) available in the United States, and the only upgradeable IPG on the market to allow patients to safely undergo head and extremity MRI scans. Upgradeable technology allows patients to access future SCS technology from St. Jude Medical, once approved, through software updates rather than surgical device replacement. Historically, most patients would need additional surgery to receive new product features and benefits.

“As chronic pain specialists, it is our responsibility to stay on the cutting edge of medical breakthroughs that could offer our patients relief from debilitating pain and result in a better quality of life,” said Dr. Kowlowitz, who implanted the first St. Jude Medical Protégé™ MRI spinal cord stimulator in Indiana only days after the new medical device received FDA approval. “For the last 20 years, we’ve been able to offer our patients immediate access to the newest medical devices, procedures and technologies by proving ourselves as a trusted and experienced physician team in spinal cord stimulator therapy and chronic pain management.”

Edward Kowlowitz, MD is a board certified anesthesiologist and the founder and medical director of the Center for Pain Management on the northside of Indianapolis. During his distinguished career, he has personally conducted extensive research and training with advanced neuromodulation systems and performed and consulted on thousands of SCS surgical procedures.

Chronic pain is a largely under-treated and misunderstood disease. According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, chronic pain affects 100 million Americans, more than heart disease, cancer and diabetes combined. The Institute of Medicine reports that workplace pain costs businesses $297 – $335 billion in lost productivity annually (based on days of work missed, hours of work lost and lower wages). This does not take into account medical or other associated costs.

Spinal Cord Stimulators Have Been Used to Effectively Treat Chronic Pain for 40 Years

Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) have been used effectively for 40 years to treat chronic pain. Similar in function and appearance to a cardiac pacemaker, neurostimulators deliver mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, which interrupt or mask the pain signals’ transmission to the brain. Studies show SCS reduce pain symptoms by 50% or more (Source: SPINE Magazine), offering patients significant relief from pain, greater functionality, higher activity levels and a better overall quality of life. According to a new report from BCC Research, the chronic pain medical device market is expected to reach to grow by 1.8% to $2.8 billion in 2018 – the fastest growing segment of the global neurostimulation device category.

Center for Pain Management in Indianapolis Implants 120 Spinal Cord Stimulators Each Year

Indianapolis’ Center for Pain Management was founded in 1992 by Dr. Edward Kowlowitz, M.D., a board-certified anesthesiologist with specialized qualifications in chronic pain and acute pain management. The medical clinic offers comprehensive diagnostic services, pain management treatments and surgical procedures. The Center’s medical staff consists of board-certified, pain-specialty physicians and a team of clinicians who specialize in comprehensive diagnostic and multidisciplinary treatment modalities that include pain interventional procedures, physical therapy, pain medication management, spinal cord stimulation implants and psychological counseling for pain. The medical practice also has an on-site surgery center and radiology/MRI services. For more information, call 317-706-PAIN or visit www.IndyPain.com.