GRMC Launches First-in-Guam Pain Relief Breakthrough with Inceptiv™ Spinal Cord Stimulator

GRMC Launches First-in-Guam Pain Relief Breakthrough with Inceptiv™ Spinal Cord Stimulator
Revolutionary Closed-Loop Technology Offers Personalized Relief for Diabetic Nerve and Chronic Pain

(Tuesday, August 26, 2025; Dededo, Guam) – Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) is proud to announce the availability of the Inceptiv™ Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) by Medtronic, a state-of-the-art pain management solution recently named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024. Now FDA-approved for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and designed to treat a range of chronic nerve-related conditions, this breakthrough offers Guam’s first smart spinal cord therapy for patients living with pain from diabetes, nerve damage, or other chronic conditions.
The Inceptiv™ system uses closed-loop sensing technology to automatically adjust stimulation in real time—up to 3,000 times per minute, providing consistent pain relief and a more natural experience for patients.

“This technology represents a breakthrough for patients who have tried medications, injections, or other pain management options without success,” said Dr. Scott Dulebohn, GRMC Neurosurgeon. “The Inceptiv™ stimulator senses and responds to the body in real time, ensuring steady, personalized therapy so our patients can return to their daily lives with less pain and more comfort.”

A Game-Changer for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
With a high prevalence of diabetes on Guam, Inceptiv™ offers new hope to thousands who suffer from diabetic foot and leg pain, known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). This debilitating condition causes burning, tingling, and stabbing pain that medications often fail to relieve.

“Many people don’t realize that diabetic nerve pain can now be treated with advanced, non-drug therapy,” said Jake Ryan, Medtronic Representative. “SCS for DPN was approved just last year, and it offers patients relief they never thought possible.”

While Inceptiv™ is a major advancement for diabetic nerve pain, it’s also proven effective for those living with chronic back pain, sciatica, leg pain, post-surgical nerve pain, or conditions like CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome). The device works by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain, offering lasting relief for patients who have not responded to medication, injections, or physical therapy.

“Inceptiv™ isn’t just for people suffering from chronic nerve-related pain. It’s also for those dealing with diabetes,” said Dr. Dulebohn. “What makes it special is how it customizes pain relief in real time, no matter the source of the pain.”

Unlike traditional SCS systems that deliver a fixed stimulation, Inceptiv™ is closed-loop, meaning it senses the body’s response and automatically adjusts stimulation to maintain consistent therapy, even as the patient moves, laughs, or coughs.

Open-Loop vs. Closed-Loop: What’s the Difference?
Traditional spinal cord stimulators use open-loop systems, sending a fixed signal that cannot respond to body movements. This often results in fluctuations, too much or too little stimulation depending on your posture or activity.

The Inceptiv™ system is different because it is closed-loop, meaning it “listens” to the body and adjusts automatically up to 3,000 times per minute:
• If stimulation becomes too strong, the device lowers it.
• If it’s too weak, it increases it.

“This closed-loop technology keeps pain relief consistent, no matter how you move,” explained Dr. Dulebohn. “It’s like having a device that automatically adjusts itself for you, so you don’t have to think about it or constantly reprogram it. It makes pain therapy more natural and effective.”

How It Works
The Inceptiv™ SCS system uses gentle electrical stimulation to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. Patients first undergo a minimally invasive 3–5 day trial, allowing them to test the therapy before committing to a permanent implant.

Why It’s Better
The Inceptiv™ SCS system offers a drug-free alternative for chronic pain management, reducing dependence on medications and their side effects.

“This is ideal for patients who want to avoid extensive surgery or long-term medications,” added Dr. Dulebohn. “We’re proud to be the first on Guam to offer this advanced therapy, giving our community access to world-class, patient-centered pain relief.”

Who Is It For?
Inceptiv™ SCS may be recommended for patients who experience:
• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) — burning, tingling, or stabbing pain in the feet and legs
• Chronic low back or leg pain
• Neuropathic pain from nerve injury or irritation
• Post-surgical pain or failed back surgery syndrome
• Conditions like CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)
• Patients are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must have explored other treatment options before being considered for spinal cord stimulation.

If you are living with chronic back, leg, or diabetic nerve pain, talk to your primary care doctor to see if this therapy might be right for you.

• Watch GRMC’s Patient Testimony video here: https://www.facebook.com/GuamRegionalMedicalCity/videos/1457374965187736/
• Learn more about Dr. Dulebohn: https://www.grmc.gu/personnel/scottdul/
• Learn more about Medtronic: medtronic.com/inceptiv
• Discover SCS for diabetic foot pain: SCSforDPN.com