SPRINT® Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
A 60-day treatment for chronic pain, with no surgery and no permanent implant
How SPRINT works
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) delivers mild electrical stimulation to the nerves that carry pain signals from a specific part of the body. With SPRINT, a thread-thin lead is placed through a needle next to the target nerve, and a small stimulator worn on the skin powers the therapy.
Treatment lasts up to 60 days. The lead is then removed, leaving no permanent implant behind, and the therapy is designed to provide relief that continues after treatment ends.
What makes SPRINT different
No incision or surgery
The lead is placed through a needle under ultrasound or X-ray guidance, typically in a short outpatient procedure with local anesthetic.
No permanent implant
At the end of the 60-day treatment, the lead is gently removed in the office.
Drug-free relief
SPRINT uses stimulation, not medication, and can be used on its own or alongside your other treatments.
Treats many areas of the body
Including chronic low back and buttock pain, shoulder and knee pain, and other pain of peripheral nerve origin.
Back to the activities you enjoy
Because SPRINT targets the nerves serving one painful area, it can be an option when pain is focused in the low back, buttock, shoulder, knee, or foot and ankle, including pain after surgery or injury.
It may suit patients who haven't found lasting relief with medications, physical therapy, or injections, who prefer to avoid surgery or a permanent implant, or who aren't candidates for surgery.
Your path to relief
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Consultation
Meet with one of our physicians to review your pain, exam, and imaging, and identify the nerve that is the source of your pain.
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Lead placement
A thin lead is placed near the target nerve through a needle under ultrasound or X-ray guidance. You go home the same day.
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60-day treatment
You wear a small stimulator and adjust therapy with a handheld controller, with regular check-ins from our team.
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Lead removal
At the end of treatment, the lead is gently pulled out in the office. No surgery is needed.
Is SPRINT right for you?
SPRINT may be an option if:
- You have chronic pain focused in a specific area, such as the low back, buttock, shoulder, or knee
- Your pain hasn't improved enough with medications, physical therapy, or injections
- You would prefer to avoid surgery or a permanent implant, or you aren't a surgical candidate
Our physicians will review your symptoms, exam, and imaging to determine whether this treatment is a good fit for you.
Important safety information
Indications for use: The SPRINT Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) System is indicated for pain management in adults who have severe intractable chronic pain of peripheral nerve origin, as the sole mitigating agent, or as an adjunct to other modes of therapy used in a multidisciplinary approach. It is intended to be implanted for up to 60 days and provide sustained pain relief for up to 3 months after the end of treatment. In addition: The SPRINT Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) System is indicated for up to 60 days for: i. Symptomatic relief of chronic, intractable pain, post-surgical and post-traumatic acute pain; ii. Symptomatic relief of post-traumatic pain; iii. Symptomatic relief of post-operative pain. The SPRINT PNS System is not intended to be placed in the region innervated by the cranial and facial nerves.
Contraindications: Use of the SPRINT® PNS System is contraindicated for: Lead placement over the heart or across the thoracic volume. Lead placement in the front or side of the neck. Lead placement on the top of the head. Patients who have a Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) system. Patients who have an implanted active cardiac implant (e.g. pacemaker or defibrillator). Patients who have any other implantable neuro-stimulator whose stimulus current pathway may overlap with that of the SPRINT System. Patients who require Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The SPRINT MicroLead™ and other SPRINT components must be removed from the body before an MRI. Patients who have epilepsy, if the leads are intended to be placed in the head or neck. Patients who have a tape or adhesive allergy.
Adverse events (side effects): The most common device-related adverse event reported in clinical studies was skin irritation (which may include inflammation, mild blistering, and/or erythema). Other less-reported events included itching at the electrode exit site, granuloma, pain after electrode placement, and infection. The majority of the device-related adverse events in sponsored clinical studies were resolved with little to no intervention within a few days, and serious device-related adverse events have been rare. Similar adverse events have been reported during commercial use. Infections have been reported for about 1-2% of patients. Serious adverse events have been rare.
MRI safety: The SPRINT PNS System is MR Unsafe. All MRI procedures, no matter the anatomic site, are contraindicated for patients with SPRINT PNS System. Pull out the Lead and remove all other System components from the patient before an MRI examination is performed.
Physicians should use their best judgment when deciding when to use the SPRINT PNS System. For more information see the SPRINT PNS System IFU. Results may vary. Rx only. Full safety information: sprpainrelief.com/safety-information
SPR, SPRINT, and MicroLead are trademarks of SPR. SPR is part of Medtronic. Images courtesy of SPR.