How long does a neurostimulator last?
Once implanted, the neuromodulations leads are designed to last indefinitely. The lithium-ion battery (also known as the internal pulse generator or IPG) that powers the spinal cord stimulator leads has a lifespan of five to seven years for non-rechargeable IPGs and nine years for rechargeable IPGs. In 2019, the FDA approved a low-dose burst stimulator with a non-rechargeable battery that lasts up to 10 years. IPGs are replaced via a minimally invasive surgical procedure when the battery demonstrates evidence of a low charge or at an interval specified by the device manufacturer.