Approximately, four years ago I had a Medtronic Spinal Cord Stimulator. Trial was great, permanent never worked. It took eleven months to find a doctor to remove it. No one was helpful, the Doctor, the rep who is a salesmen, but makes himself sound like he is in the medical. What it boiled down to, was the device was no good, neither was the doctor. When you sign to have it implanted, you provided the doctor and manufacturer (Medtronic) a hold harmless signature. In addition, the HMO group I was in at that time, had a financial agreement with. Medtronic and the Doctor should have disclosed this. Based on my experience, do not do business with Medtronic or with a healthcare provider that hides a monetary benefit they receive. You cannot pick the devise. You get what Medtronic has.