Innovating for People: A 135-Year Legacy Continues

Our AVEIR DR and Eterna SCS systems awarded for their revolutionary technology.

Abbott scientists and engineers work tirelessly to innovate healthcare solutions that empower people to have greater control over their health, make better-informed decisions and enjoy a higher quality of life.

When that happens so consistently, as part of a 135-year legacy of forward thinking, the wider world tends to take notice.

Our AVEIR DR system, the world’s first FDA-approved dual chamber leadless pacemaker, has opened up exciting new possibilities for people who need leadless pacemaking in two chambers of the heart. It was named a Best of Innovation honoree in the Digital Health category of the 2024 CES Innovation Awards, an annual competition honoring outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products.

The Best of Innovation honor is given to the highest-rated products across more than two dozen categories. More than 3,000 products were submitted in the competition, and only 36 earned “Best of” recognition.

The AVEIR DR system was also lauded by Time magazine as one of “The Best Inventions of 2023” earlier this fall.

“This is a historic moment because pacemakers have not changed in 60 years,” said Vish Charan, divisional vice president, product development, Cardiac Rhythm Management. “This is the first time we have two capsule-size devices implanted in the heart wirelessly communicating with each other and taking away all the complexity and challenges that come with a traditional pacemaker.”

Elsewhere, we’ve heard the needs of people living with chronic pain — and answered that call.

We recently received the Accenture Corporate Innovator Award from Chicago Innovation, an organization devoted to educating, connecting and celebrating innovators in the Chicago region. Abbott was recognized for our Eterna spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system, which is the smallest1 implantable, rechargeable SCS device on the market2 and was developed to treat the unmet needs of people living with chronic pain.

Abbott was among 22 winners selected from more than 300 nominations and the sole honoree in the Corporate Innovator category. This marks our 13th award from Chicago Innovation, making us the most recognized company in the organization’s 22-year history.

Keeping the needs and preferences of patients front-of-mind, the Eterna system requires up to 95% less charging time than other SCS systems utilizing standard therapy settings3 — i.e., only five charges per year compared to other products that require weekly or daily recharging sessions. With this life-changing technology, people now have access to the best of both worlds: a small, rechargeable device with superior stimulation therapy. **4

“My team is proud to have won this award, which recognizes Abbott’s unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for people living with chronic pain,” said Pedro Malha, vice president, Neuromodulation. “As the world’s smallest implantable spinal cord stimulator, the Eterna SCS system reinforces our continued mission to advance technology for the benefit of those in need.”1

** BurstDR stimulation superiority when compared to traditional tonic stimulation as studied in SUNBURST.

Reference

1 Smallest size determined by volume in cubic centimeters.
2 Abbott. Eterna SCS IPG Size Comparison Memo (MAT-2210151); 2022.
3 Abbott. Eterna Lowest Recharge Burden Comparison Memo (MAT-2210739); 2022
4 Deer, T. Randomized, Controlled Trial Assessing Burst Stimulation for Chronic Pain: 2-Year Outcomes from the SUNBURST Study. Presented at NANS 2018.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Spinal Column Stimulation (SCS) Systems

AVEIR™ DR

Rx Only

Brief Summary: Prior to using these devices, please review the Instructions for Use for a complete listing of indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse events and directions for use.

Indications: The Aveir™ Leadless Pacemaker system is indicated for management of one or more of the following permanent conditions: Syncope, Pre-syncope, Fatigue, Disorientation. Rate-modulated pacing is indicated for patients with chronotropic incompetence, and for those who would benefit from increased stimulation rates concurrent with physical activity. Dual-chamber pacing is indicated for patients exhibiting: Sick sinus syndrome, Chronic, symptomatic second- and third-degree AV block, Recurrent Adams-Stokes syndrome, Symptomatic bilateral bundle-branch block when tachyarrhythmia and other causes have been ruled out. Atrial pacing is indicated for patients with: Sinus node dysfunction and normal AV and intraventricular conduction systems. Ventricular pacing is indicated for patients with: Significant bradycardia and normal sinus rhythm with only rare episodes of AV block or sinus arrest, Chronic atrial fibrillation, Severe physical disability.

Intended Use: The Aveir™ Leadless Pacemaker (LP) is designed to provide bradycardia pacing as a pulse generator with built-in battery and electrodes for implantation in the right ventricle and/or right atrium. The LP is intended to provide sensing of intrinsic cardiac signals and delivery of cardiac pacing therapy within the implanted chamber for the target treatment group. The LP is also intended to operate optionally with another co-implanted LP to provide dual-chamber pacing therapy.

The Aveir™ Delivery Catheter is intended to be used in the peripheral vasculature and the cardiovascular system to deliver and manipulate an LP. Delivery and manipulation includes implanting an LP within the target chamber of the heart.

Contraindications: Use of the Aveir™ Leadless Pacemaker is contraindicated in these cases:

  • Use of any pacemaker is contraindicated in patients with a co-implanted ICD because high-voltage shocks could damage the pacemaker and the pacemaker could reduce shock effectiveness.
  • Single-chamber ventricular demand pacing is relatively contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated pacemaker syndrome, have retrograde VA conduction, or suffer a drop in arterial blood pressure with the onset of ventricular pacing.
  • Programming of rate-responsive pacing is contraindicated in patients with intolerance of high sensor driven rates.
  • Use is contraindicated in patients with an implanted vena cava filter or mechanical tricuspid valve because of interference between these devices and the delivery system during implantation.
  • Persons with known history of allergies to any of the components of this device may suffer an allergic reaction to this device. Prior to use on the patient, the patient should be counseled on the materials (listed in the Product Materials section of the IFU) contained in the device and a thorough history of allergies must be discussed.

Adverse Events: Potential complications associated with the use of the Aveir™ Leadless Pacemaker system are the same as with the use of single or dual chamber pacemakers with active fixation pacing leads including, but not limited to: Cardiac perforation, Cardiac tamponade, Pericardial effusion, Pericarditis, Valve damage and/or regurgitation, Heart failure, Pneumothorax/hemothorax, Cardiac arrhythmias, Diaphragmatic/phrenic nerve stimulation / extra-cardiac stimulation, Palpitations, Hypotension, Syncope, Cerebrovascular accident, Infection, Hypersensitivity reaction to device materials, contrast media, medications, or direct toxic effect of contrast media on kidney function, Pacemaker syndrome, Inability to interrogate or program the LP due to programmer or LP malfunction, Intermittent or complete loss of pacing and/or sensing due to dislodgement or mechanical malfunction of the LP (non-battery related), Loss of capture or sensing due to embolization or fibrotic tissue response at the electrode, Increased capture threshold, Inappropriate sensor response, Interruption of desired LP function due to electrical interference, either electromyogenic or electromagnetic, Battery malfunction/ premature battery depletion, Device-related complications (Premature deployment, Device dislodgement/embolization of foreign material, Helix distortion), Death. As with any percutaneous catheterization procedure, potential complications include, but are not limited to: Vascular access complications; such as perforation, dissection, puncture, groin pain, Bleeding or hematoma, Thrombus formation, Thromboembolism, Air embolism, Local and systemic infection, Peripheral nerve damage. General surgery risks and complications from comorbidities; such as hypotension, dyspnea, respiratory failure, syncope, pneumonia, hypertension, cardiac failure, reaction to sedation, renal failure, anemia, and death.

MAT-2306873 v1.0 | Item is approved for US Use

Spinal Column Stimulation (SCS) Systems

Intended Use

This neurostimulation system is designed to deliver low-intensity electrical impulses to nerve structures. The system is intended to be used with leads and associated extensions that are compatible with the system.

Indications For Use

Abbott Medical spinal cord stimulation (SCS) systems are indicated as an aid in the management of chronic, intractable pain of the trunk and/or limbs, including unilateral or bilateral pain associated with the following: failed back surgery syndrome, nonsurgical back pain (without prior surgery and not a candidate for back surgery), and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.

Contraindications

This system is contraindicated for patients who are unable to operate the system or who have failed to receive effective pain relief during trial stimulation.

MRI Safety Information

Some models of this system are Magnetic Resonance (MR) Conditional, and patients with these devices may be scanned safely with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when the conditions for safe scanning are met. 

For more information about MR Conditional neurostimulation components and systems, including equipment settings, scanning procedures, and a complete listing of conditionally approved components, refer to the MRI procedures clinician's manual for neurostimulation systems (available online at medical.abbott/manuals). 

For more information about MR Conditional products, visit the Abbott Medical product information page at neuromodulation.abbott/us/en/healthcare-professionals/mri-support.html

Warnings

The following warnings apply to this neurostimulation system.

Poor surgical risks. Neurostimulation should not be used on patients who are poor surgical risks or patients with multiple illnesses or active general infections.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Some patients may be implanted with the components that make up a Magnetic Resonance (MR) Conditional system, which allows them to receive an MRI scan if all the requirements for the implanted components and for scanning are met. A physician can help determine if a patient is eligible to receive an MRI scan by following the requirements provided by Abbott Medical. Physicians should also discuss any risks of MRI with patients. 

Patients without an MR Conditional neurostimulation system should not be subjected to MRI because the electromagnetic field generated by an MRI may damage the device electronics and induce voltage through the lead that could jolt or shock the patient. 

Diathermy therapy. Do not use short-wave diathermy, microwave diathermy, or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy (all now referred to as diathermy) on patients implanted with a neurostimulation system. Energy from diathermy can be transferred through the implanted system and cause tissue damage at the location of the implanted electrodes, resulting in severe injury or death.

Diathermy is further prohibited because it may also damage the neurostimulation system components. This damage could result in loss of therapy, requiring additional surgery for system implantation and replacement. Injury or damage can occur during diathermy treatment whether the neurostimulation system is turned on or off. 

Electrosurgery. To avoid harming the patient or damaging the neurostimulation system, do not use monopolar electrosurgery devices on patients with implanted neurostimulation systems. Before using an electrosurgery device, place the device in Surgery Mode using the patient controller app or clinician programmer app. Confirm the neurostimulation system is functioning correctly after the procedure. 

  • Use bipolar electrosurgery only.
  • Complete any electrosurgery procedures before connecting the leads or extensions to the neurostimulator.
  • Keep the current paths from the electrosurgery device as far from the neurostimulation system as possible.
  • Set the electrosurgery device to the lowest possible energy setting.
  • Confirm that the neurostimulation system is functioning correctly during the implant procedure and before closing the neurostimulator pocket.

Implanted cardiac systems. Physicians need to be aware of the risk and possible interaction between a neurostimulation system and an implanted cardiac system, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator. Electrical pulses from a neurostimulation system may interact with the sensing operation of an implanted cardiac system, causing the cardiac system to respond inappropriately. To minimize or prevent the implanted cardiac system from sensing the output of the neurostimulation system, (1) maximize the distance between the implanted systems; (2) verify that the neurostimulation system is not interfering with the functions of the implanted cardiac system; and (3) avoid programming either device in a unipolar mode (using the device’s can as an anode) or using neurostimulation system settings that interfere with the function of the implantable cardiac system.

Other active implanted devices. The neurostimulation system may interfere with the normal operation of another active implanted device, such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, or another type of neurostimulator. Conversely, the other active implanted device may interfere with the operation of the neurostimulation system.

Interference with other devices. Some of this system’s electronic equipment, such as the programmer and controller, can radiate radiofrequency (RF) energy that may interfere with other electronic devices, including other active implanted devices. Avoid placing equipment components directly over other electronic devices. To correct the effect of interference with other devices, turn off the equipment or increase the distance between the equipment and the device being affected.

Operation of machines, equipment, and vehicles. Patients using therapy that generates paresthesia should turn off stimulation before operating motorized vehicles, such as automobiles, or potentially dangerous machinery and equipment because sudden stimulation changes may distract them from properly operating it. However, current data shows that most patients using BurstDR™ stimulation therapy do not experience paresthesia. For patients who do not feel paresthesia, sudden stimulation changes are less likely to occur and distract them while operating motorized vehicles, machinery, or equipment.

Explosive and flammable gasses. Do not use a clinician programmer or patient controller in an environment where explosive or flammable gas fumes or vapors are present. The operation of these devices could cause them to ignite, causing severe burns, injury, or death.

Keep the device dry. Programmer and controller devices are not waterproof. Keep them dry to avoid damage. Advise patients to not use their device when engaging in activities that might cause it to get wet, such as swimming or bathing.

Pediatric use. Safety and effectiveness of neurostimulation for pediatric use have not been established.

Pregnancy and nursing. Safety and effectiveness of neurostimulation for use during pregnancy and nursing have not been established.

Use in patients with diabetes. Surgical complications and adverse effects may be more frequent and severe in patients with diabetes. The following additional considerations should be made for patients with diabetes:

  • A pre-operative risk assessment should be performed for patients with diabetes who are at high risk for ischemic heart disease, those with autonomic neuropathy or renal failure, and patients with a Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) ≥8% (64 mmol/mol).
  • Monitor the patient’s blood glucose levels in the perioperative period and instruct the patient to continue to monitor glucose levels as they may fluctuate as a response to surgery or to complications. Implanting physicians or anesthesiologists should consult practice guidelines for the intraoperative management of patients with diabetes.
  • Closely monitor patients for signs of infection, delayed wound healing, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage as the severity of these complications may be greater in patients with diabetes.

Stimulation modes. The BurstDR™ stimulation mode has not been evaluated for effectiveness in the diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) population.

Device components. The use of components not approved for use by Abbott Medical with this system may result in damage to the system and increased risk to the patient.

Device modification. Equipment is not serviceable by the customer. To prevent injury or damage to the system, do not modify the equipment. If needed, return the equipment to Abbott Medical for service.

Application modification. To prevent unintended stimulation, do not modify the operating system in any way. Do not use the application if the operating system is compromised (that is, jailbroken).

Case damage. Do not handle the IPG if the case is pierced or ruptured because severe burns could result from exposure to battery chemicals.

IPG disposal. Return all explanted IPGs to Abbott Medical for safe disposal. IPGs contain batteries as well as other potentially hazardous materials. Do not crush, puncture, or burn the IPG because explosion or fire may result.

Product materials. Neurostimulation systems have materials that come in contact or may come in contact with tissue. A physician should determine whether or not a patient may have an allergic reaction to these materials before the system is implanted.

Precautions

The following precautions apply to this neurostimulation system.

General Precautions

  • Clinician training. Implanting physicians should be experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain syndromes and have undergone surgical and device implantation training.
  • Patient selection. It is extremely important to select patients appropriately for neurostimulation. Thorough psychiatric screening should be performed. Patients should not be dependent on drugs and should be able to operate the neurostimulation system.
  • Infection. Follow proper infection control procedures. Infections related to system implantation might require that the device be explanted.
  • Implantation of two systems. If two systems are implanted, ensure that at least 20 cm (8 in.) separates the implanted IPGs to minimize unintended interaction with other system components.
  • Implantation of multiple leads. If multiple leads are implanted, leads and extensions should be routed in close proximity. Nonadjacent leads can possibly create a conduit for stray electromagnetic energy that could cause the patient unwanted stimulation.
  • Implant healing. While charging the generator, patients may perceive an increase in temperature at the generator site. In patients who have areas of increased sensitivity to heat, consider placing the implant where the patient has normal sensation.
  • High stimulation outputs. Stimulation at high outputs may cause unpleasant sensations or motor disturbances, or render the patient incapable of controlling the stimulator. If unpleasant sensations occur, the device should be turned off immediately.
  • Electromagnetic interference (EMI). Some equipment in home, work, medical, and public environments can generate EMI that is strong enough to interfere with the operation of a neurostimulation system or damage system components. Patients should avoid getting too close to these types of EMI sources, which include the following examples: commercial electrical equipment (such as arc welders and induction furnaces), communication equipment (such as microwave transmitters and high-power amateur transmitters), high-voltage power lines, radiofrequency identification (RFID) devices, and some medical procedures (such as therapeutic radiation and electromagnetic lithotripsy).
  • Consumer goods and electronic devices. Magnetic interference with consumer goods or electronic devices that contain magnets, such as mobile phones and smart watches, may unintentionally cause the neurostimulation system to turn on or turn off or affect communication between the device and generator; however, it will not change the prescribed programmed parameters. Patients should be advised to keep their mobile phones and smart watches at least 15 cm (6 in.) away from the generator and avoid placing any smart device in a pocket near the generator. If a patient is concerned about a smart device interacting with their neurostimulation system, consider disabling magnet mode. For more information about setting the magnet mode, refer to the clinician programmer manual or contact Technical Support.
  • Lead movement. Patients should be instructed to avoid bending, twisting, stretching, and lifting objects over 2 kg (5 lb.) six to eight weeks after implantation of a neurostimulation system. Extension of the upper torso or neck may cause lead movement and alter the stimulation field (especially with leads in the cervical area), resulting in overstimulation or ineffective stimulation.
  • Patient training. Instruct patients to use their neurostimulation system only after an authorized clinician has programmed the device and has trained the patient how to control stimulation and safely use the system.
  • Programmer use. Allow only authorized use of the clinician programmer to avoid any programming changes that may injure a patient.

Sterilization and Storage

  • Single-use, sterile device. The implanted components of this neurostimulation system are intended for a single use only. Sterile components in this kit have been sterilized using ethylene oxide (EtO) gas before shipment and are supplied in sterile packaging to permit direct introduction into the sterile field. Do not resterilize or reimplant an explanted system for any reason.
  • Storage environment. Store components and their packaging where they will not come in contact with liquids of any kind.

Handling and Implementation

  • Expiration date. An expiration date (or “use-before” date) is printed on the packaging. Do not use the system if the use-before date has expired.
  • Recharge-by-date. A recharge‑by date is printed on the packaging. If this date has been reached or has been exceeded before the date of implantation, the generator should be charged prior to implantation.
  • Handle the device with care. The clinician programmer and patient controller are sensitive electronic devices that can be damaged by rough handling, such as dropping them on the ground.
  • Care and handling of components. Use extreme care when handling system components prior to implantation. Excessive heat, excessive traction, excessive bending, excessive twisting, or the use of sharp instruments may damage and cause failure of the components.
  • Package or component damage. Do not implant a device if the sterile package or components show signs of damage, if the sterile seal is ruptured, or if contamination is suspected for any reason. Return any suspect components to Abbott Medical for evaluation.
  • Exposure to body fluids or saline. Prior to connection, exposure of the metal contacts, such as those on the connection end of a lead or extension, to body fluids or saline can lead to corrosion. If such exposure occurs, clean the affected parts with sterile, deionized water or sterile water for irrigation, and dry them completely prior to lead connection and implantation.
  • System testing. To ensure correct operation, always test the system during the implant procedure, before closing the neurostimulator pocket, and before the patient leaves the surgery suite.

Hospitals and Medical Environments

  • High-output ultrasonics and lithotripsy. The use of high-output devices, such as an electrohydraulic lithotripter, may cause damage to the electronic circuitry of an implanted IPG. If lithotripsy must be used, do not focus the energy near the IPG.
  • Ultrasonic scanning equipment. The use of ultrasonic scanning equipment may cause mechanical damage to an implanted neurostimulation system if used directly over the implanted system.
  • External defibrillators. The safety of discharge of an external defibrillator on patients with implanted neurostimulation systems has not been established.
  • Therapeutic radiation. Therapeutic radiation may damage the electronic circuitry of an implanted neurostimulation system, although no testing has been done and no definite information on radiation effects is available. Sources of therapeutic radiation include therapeutic X-rays, cobalt machines, and linear accelerators. If radiation therapy is required, the area over the implanted IPG should be shielded with lead. Damage to the system may not be immediately detectable.

Home and Occupational Environments

  • Security, antitheft, and radiofrequency identification (RFID) devices. Some antitheft devices, such as those used at entrances or exits of department stores, libraries, and other public places, and airport security screening devices may affect stimulation. Additionally, RFID devices, which are often used to read identification badges, as well as some tag deactivation devices, such as those used at payment counters at stores and loan desks at libraries, may also affect stimulation.
    Patients who are implanted with nonadjacent multiple leads and patients who are sensitive to low stimulation thresholds may experience a momentary increase in their perceived stimulation, which some patients have described as uncomfortable or jolting. Patients should cautiously approach such devices and should request help to bypass them. If they must go through a gate or doorway containing this type of device, patients should turn off their IPG and proceed with caution, being sure to move through the device quickly.
  • Scuba diving or hyperbaric chambers. Patients should not dive below 30 m (100 ft.) of water or enter hyperbaric chambers above 4.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA). Pressures below 30 m (100 ft.) of water (or above 4.0 ATA) could damage the neurostimulation system. Before diving or using a hyperbaric chamber, patients should discuss the effects of high pressure with their physician.
  • Wireless use restrictions. In some environments, the use of wireless functions (for example, Bluetooth® wireless technology) may be restricted. Such restrictions may apply aboard airplanes, in hospitals, near explosives, or in hazardous locations. If you are unsure of the policy that applies to the use of this device, please ask for authorization to use it before turning it on. (Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.)

Adverse Effects

In addition to those risks commonly associated with surgery, the following risks are associated with implanting or using this neurostimulation system: 

  • Unpleasant sensations or motor disturbances, including involuntary movement, caused by stimulation at high outputs; if either occurs, turn off your IPG immediately
  • Undesirable changes in stimulation, which may be related to cellular changes in tissue around the electrodes, changes in electrode position, loose electrical connections, or lead failure
  • Stimulation in unwanted places (such as radicular stimulation of the chest wall) 
  • Lead migration, causing changes in stimulation or reduced pain relief 
  • Epidural hemorrhage, hematoma, infection, spinal cord compression, or paralysis from placement of a lead in the epidural space 
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage 
  • Paralysis, weakness, clumsiness, numbness, or pain below the level of the implant 
  • Persistent pain at the electrode or IPG site 
  • Seroma (mass or swelling) at the IPG site
  • Allergic or rejection response to implant materials 
  • Implant migration or skin erosion around the implant 
  • Battery failure
  • Changes in blood glucose levels in response to any adverse effect 

NOTE: Patients with diabetes may have increased risks of infection, problems healing around the surgical site, and complications common to any surgical procedure. The severity of any surgical complication may be greater in patients with diabetes, particularly those with inadequate preoperative glycemic control. For adverse effects observed in the use of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, refer to the clinical summaries manual for SCS systems.

Safety And Effectiveness Studies

For information that supports the clinical use of this neurostimulation system, refer to the clinical summaries manual for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) systems (available online at medical.abbott/manuals). This neurostimulation system is similar in technology and intended use to the systems reported in the literature and clinical studies. Therefore, the literature and clinical studies represent the safety and effectiveness of this neurostimulation system.  

21 CR 801.109(b)  The label of the device, other than surgical instruments, bears:

(1) The symbol statement “Rx only” or “℞ only” or the statement “Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a ___”, the blank to be filled with the word “physician,” “dentist,” “veterinarian,” or with the descriptive designation of any other practitioner licensed by the law of the State in which the practitioner practices to use or order the use of the device; and 

(2) The method of its application or use.