Sympathetic Therapy for the Treatment of Pain
DESCRIPTION
Sympathetic therapy involves the application of an electrical current to peripheral nerves. Systemic therapy targets the autonomic nervous system in an attempt to induce a systemic effect on sympathetically induced pain. Sympathetic therapy is being advocated for providing symptomatic relief of chronic pain, and/or management of post-traumatic or post-surgical pain.
Examples of sympathetic therapy delivery systems are the Dynatron® STS™ clinical device and the Dynatron® STS RX™ home unit.
POLICY
Sympathetic therapy for the treatment of pain is considered investigational.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
There is a lack of published data/studies that support the use of this technology.
Sympathetic therapy does not meet the following technology evaluation criteria:
The scientific evidence must permit conclusions concerning the effect of the technology on health outcomes.
The technology must improve the net health outcome.
The technology must be as beneficial as any established alternatives.
The improvement must be attainable outside the investigational settings.
SOURCES
BlueCross BlueShield Association. Medical Policy Reference Manual. (4:2005). Sympathetic therapy for the treatment of pain (1.04.03). Retrieved May 22, 2006 from BlueWeb.
Food and Drug Administration. Center for Devices and Radiological Health. (2001, May). 510(k) Premarket notification concerning Dynatron STA and Dynatron STS RX. Retrieved November 5, 2001 from http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/pdf/k010565.pdf.
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EFFECTIVE DATE |
8/10/2006 |
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