John Stamatos, M.D. Gives Chronic Pain Patient a New Lease on Life with Implantation of MRI-compatible Spinal Cord Stimulator
John Stamatos, M.D., Director of Pain Management for North American Partners in Pain Management (NAPPM), a subsidiary of North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA), was able to dramatically alter the quality of life for a chronic pain patient, Tina DiGiovanni, after implanting her with Medtronic’s SureScan MRI neurostimulator, a magnetic resonance imaging-compatible spinal cord stimulator (SCS) , considered on the cutting edge as a new and innovative treatment in the relief of chronic pain
Ms. DiGiovanni, 43, of Lake Grove, NY, began experiencing debilitating back pain in April of this year, resulting in symptoms that included lack of sleep, the inability to stand up straight or stand for more than an hour. These symptoms left her unable to leave her house and made it difficult for her to perform daily activities, work or most importantly, care for her six-year old son.
In August of this year, Dr. Stamatos, recognized as a leader in pain management services, was selected as the first physician in New York State to implant the neurostimulator in a patient, performing the procedure at North Shore-LIJ’s Syosset Hospital. Dr. Stamatos was selected from among an exclusive group of chronic pain doctors in the nation.
“It’s important for people like Tina, who have had previous back surgeries, or those with chronic illnesses, to have an MRI-compatible device,” Dr. Stamatos said. “They will need these tests performed in the future and can now receive the pain relief they need without worrying about the possibility of not getting these required tests.”
After trying numerous treatment options, Ms. DiGiovanni consulted with Dr. Stamatos, opting to have the new spinal cord stimulator implanted. Used to interrupt pain signals from reaching the brain, the device replaces pain with a tingling sensation. The MRI neurostimulator also allows chronic pain patients like Tina to receive MRI testing without the need for surgery to remove the stimulator. Since the success of her procedure, Tina no longer needs assistance to complete many of her daily activities and has been cleared to return to work on November 1.
“Getting the spinal cord stimulator has been life altering for me,” Ms. DiGiovanni said Wednesday at a press conference at Syosset Hospital. “I am forever indebted to Dr. Stamatos; he gave me my life back.”
John Stamatos, M.D., obtained his doctor of medicine at Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland. He went on to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he completed his anesthesiology residency and training in pain management as well as surgical training for the placement implantable devices for the control of pain. In addition to Dr. Stamatos’ role with NAPPM, he serves as attending at North Shore-LIJ Health System in Long Island, NY.
For more information on Dr. Stamatos or to make an appointment to discuss chronic pain management options, please call (516) 496-6447.
Media Contact:
Jill Aaronson, Marketing Coordinator
North American Partners in Anesthesia
t: (516) 945-3030
jaaronson@NAPAanesthesia.com
About North American Partners in Anesthesia
Founded in 1986, North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA) is the leading single specialty anesthesia management company in the United States. NAPA is comprised of the most respected clinical staff, providing thousands of patients with superior and attentive care. The company is known for partnering with hospitals and other health care facilities across the nation to provide anesthesia services and perioperative leadership that maximize operating room performance, enhance revenue, and demonstrate consistent patient and surgeon satisfaction ratings. For more information, please visit www.NAPAanesthesia.com.
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