FDA approves St. Jude Medical's neurostimulation device
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The AP (12/4) reported, "Medical device maker St. Jude Medical Inc. said Friday the Food and Drug Administration approved a new neurostimulation device aimed at treating pain." The agency "approved Penta, a surgical wire with multiple electrodes that delivers pulses in the space near a person's spine."

According to St. Jude, "the device is the first neurostimulation lead with electrodes arranged into five columns, giving it 'the broadest lateral electrode span of any neurostimulation lead on the market," the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal (12/4, Vomhof) reported. The therapy "is used to manage chronic pain of the trunk and limbs, and treat pain from failed back surgeries."