Once the realm of science fiction, the idea of a bionic human — flesh meeting machine — is coming closer every day.
While people aren't jumping over buildings in a single bound or running faster than speeding bullets, we've advanced to the point where we're using innovative medical technology — like the spinal cord stimulator — to help people to live longer and be treated for maladies once manageable only through prescription medicines or complex surgeries.
Abbott's advances in the fields of heart health, diabetes and chronic pain have allowed people to lead healthier, fuller lives by adding innovative medical technology to their body.
Heart Health
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. With so many people affected by heart disease, it's critical for health professionals to have effective treatment options available.
One common condition that affects the heart is coronary artery disease, which develops when one of your arteries gets blocked or damaged. These blockages can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and may lead to a heart attack.
Treatment of coronary artery disease was once limited to medications that help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Many of these medications are still regularly used, but none of them can open up a clogged artery.
First performed in 1977, balloon angioplasty is a procedure that opens arterial blockage. The next leap was balloon angioplasty with stenting. This procedure keeps arteries clear by permanently inserting a tiny mesh tube called a stent into the narrow portion of the artery. Depending on the degree of blockage, stents have been found to be effective in treating heart attacks with 85% of patients free from subsequent cardiovascular events 5 years1 after stent implantation.
Stent technology continues to develop, and Abbott's XIENCETM stents are at the forefront of innovation, helping millions of people worldwide live their best lives.
XIENCE stents are made from medical-grade cobalt and chromium and are coated with a thin layer of polymer that releases a drug called everolimus, which lowers the likelihood of the artery becoming blocked again.
XIENCE Sierra, the newest model in the line, is specifically designed to help doctors better treat people with complicated blockages — especially ones that involve multiple or totally blocked arteries. It's also designed to help treat people with cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes.
Diabetes Management
People living with diabetes need to manage their glucose levels closely, maintain a healthy eating plan, and take the proper medications among other potential lifestyle changes. The only way to know if your glucose levels are where they need to be though is through accurate glucose monitoring.
You can regularly monitor your glucose levels using a traditional blood glucose meter. While most of these devices are efficient and still commonly used, they require a blood sample, which can be painful, is a hassle2 and only provide limited information.
Newer technology like integrated continuous glucose monitors — such as Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 2 system — allows adults and kids 4 and up to see minute-by-minute glucose readings with unsurpassed 14-day accuracy,3 offers optional real-time alarms to alert users when their glucose is going too low or high, as well as identify glucose trends with a directional arrow and review eight hours of glucose history with just a quick, one-second scan of a sensor worn on the back of the upper arm.
Not only does that mean goodbye fingersticks,4 but this new technology allows people with diabetes to get fast, painless5 and accurate results so that they're able to make more informed decisions about their treatment.
Pain Relief
Chronic pain can be extremely debilitating for those living with it. Severe chronic pain can be caused by an illness, surgery or injury. Burning, stabbing, sharp pain, numbness or general aches or discomfort lasting longer than 3 months are all symptoms of chronic pain. The bottom line is although chronic pain can vary from person to person, it can be extremely difficult to live with.
Depending on the underlying cause of the pain, a variety of medications and treatments can be used to help provide some relief. But, some pain medications can have serious and significant side effects, making treatment challenging.
Spinal cord stimulators can offer hope for those suffering from chronic pain. A spinal cord stimulator works by sending signals to the brain to help modify sensory and emotional pathways impacted by chronic pain. These types of products can offer significant relief without the side effects of medication.
BurstDRTM stimulation is Abbott's latest innovation in spinal cord stimulation. It reduces pain by changing the way your body perceives its signals. After a short outpatient trial procedure confirms effective pain relief, a generator — a small implanted electronic device similar to a cardiac pacemaker — sends pulses through thin wires along your spinal cord, modifying the body's pain signals as they travel to different parts of the brain. BurstDR stimulation is indicated for chronic pain located throughout your trunk and/or limbs, and studies6 show that BurstDR stimulation may improve the ability to perform everyday activities.
These are just three pieces of medical technology available today that are replacing traditional treatments. And although these medical advancements may seem like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, these technologies are truly helping people with medical conditions live longer, more fulfilling lives.
References
1Kereiakes D, et al. Circulation. 2019;140:1895-1903. Target Lesion Failure at 5 years – XIENCE arm of study.
2Hortensius, Johanna., et al. Perspectives of patients with type 1 or insulin-treated type 2 diabetes on self-monitoring of blood glucose: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 12.1 (2012): 167.
3FreeStyle Libre 2 User Manual
4Fingersticks are required if your glucose alarms and readings do not match symptoms or when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol during the first 12 hours.
5Data on file. Abbott Diabetes Care.
6Deer T, Slavin KV, Amirdelfan K, et al. Success Using Neuromodulation With BURST (SUNBURST) Study: Results From a Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial Using a Novel Burst Waveform. Neuromodulation. 2017;20(6):543-552.
INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
The FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device indicated for the management of diabetes in persons age 18 and older. It is designed to replace blood glucose testing for diabetes treatment decisions.
The System detects trends and tracks patterns aiding in the detection of episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, facilitating both acute and long-term therapy adjustments. Interpretation of the System readings should be based on the glucose trends and several sequential readings over time. The System is intended for single patient use and requires a prescription.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
The FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System must be removed prior to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, or high-frequency electrical heat (diathermy) treatment. The effect of MRI, CT scans, or diathermy on the performance of the System has not been evaluated. The exposure may damage the Sensor and may impact proper function of the device which could cause incorrect readings.
CAUTIONS AND LIMITATIONS:
What to know about Alarms/Alerts:
What to know before using the System:
Who should not use the System:
What should you know about wearing a Sensor:
How to Store the Sensor Kit:
When not to use the System:
What to know before you Apply the Sensor:
When is Sensor Glucose different from Blood Glucose:
What to know about interfering substances such as Vitamin C and Aspirin:
What to know about X-Rays:
When to remove the Sensor:
What to do if you are dehydrated:
What to know about the Reader’s Built-in Meter:
Where to charge your Reader:
The FreeStyle Libre 14 day Flash Glucose Monitoring System is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device indicated for the management of diabetes in persons age 18 and older. It is designed to replace blood glucose testing for diabetes treatment decisions. The System detects trends and tracks patterns aiding in the detection of episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, facilitating both acute and long-term therapy adjustments. Interpretation of the System readings should be based on the glucose trends and several sequential readings over time. The System is intended for single patient use and requires a prescription.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
The FreeStyle Libre 14 day Flash Glucose Monitoring System must be removed prior to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, or high frequency electrical heat (diathermy) treatment. The effect of MRI, CT scans, or diathermy on the performance of the System has not been evaluated. The exposure may damage the Sensor and may impact proper function of the device which could cause incorrect readings.
CAUTIONS AND LIMITATIONS:
Below are important cautions and limitations to keep in mind so you can use the System safely. They are grouped into categories for easy reference.
What to know about Alarms/Alerts:
• There are NO alarms or alerts unless you scan the Sensor.
What to know before using the System:
• Review all product information before use.
• Take standard precautions for transmission of blood borne pathogens to avoid contamination.
Who should not use the System:
• Do not use the System in people less than 18 years of age. The System is not approved for use in people under 18 years of age and Sensor readings in this population may be inaccurate. In general, continuous glucose monitoring systems are recognized to be less accurate in children than in adults.
• Do not use the System in critically ill patients. The System is not approved for use in these patients. It is not known how different conditions or medications common to the critically ill population may affect performance of the System. Sensor glucose readings may be inaccurate in critically ill patients.
• Do not use the System in pregnant women or persons on dialysis. The System is not approved for use in pregnant women or persons on dialysis and has not been evaluated in these populations.
• Performance of the System when used with other implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers, has not been evaluated.
What should you know about wearing a Sensor:
• The Sensor can be worn for up to 14 days.
• Some individuals may be sensitive to the adhesive that keeps the Sensor attached to the skin. If you notice significant skin irritation around or under your Sensor, remove the Sensor and stop using the System. Contact your health care professional before continuing to use the System.
• Intense exercise may cause your Sensor to loosen due to sweat or movement of the Sensor. Remove and replace your Sensor if it starts to loosen and follow the instructions to select an appropriate application site.
• The System uses all available glucose data to give you readings so you should scan your Sensor at least once every 8 hours for the most accurate performance. Scanning less frequently may result in decreased performance.
• Do not reuse Sensors. The Sensor and Sensor Applicator are designed for single use. Reuse may result in no glucose readings and infection. Not suitable for re-sterilization. Further exposure to irradiation may cause inaccurate results.
• If a Sensor breaks inside your body, call your health care professional.
How to Store the Sensor Kit:
• Store the Sensor Kit between 39°F and 77°F. Storage outside of this range may cause inaccurate Sensor glucose readings. While you don’t need to keep your Sensor Kit in a refrigerator, you can as long as the refrigerator is between 39°F and 77°F. Do not freeze.
• Store the Sensor Kit between 10-90% non-condensing humidity.
When not to use the System:
• Do NOT use if the Sensor Kit package, Sensor Pack, or Sensor Applicator appear to be damaged or already opened due to risk of no results and/or infection.
• Do NOT use if Sensor Kit contents are past expiration date.
• Do NOT use if the Reader appears to be damaged due to risk of electric shock and/or no results.
What to know before you Apply the Sensor:
• The Sensor Pack and Sensor Applicator are packaged as a set (separately from the Reader) and have the same Sensor code. Check that the Sensor codes match before using your Sensor Pack and Sensor Applicator. Do not use Sensor Packs and Sensor Applicators with different Sensor codes together as this will result in incorrect glucose readings.
• Clean the application site and ensure that it is dry prior to Sensor insertion. This helps the Sensor stay attached to your body.
• Clean hands prior to Sensor handling/insertion to help prevent infection.
• Change the application site for the next Sensor application to prevent discomfort or skin irritation.
• Sensor placement is not approved for sites other than the back of the arm. If placed in other areas, the Sensor may not function properly.
• Select an appropriate Sensor site to help the Sensor stay attached to the body and prevent discomfort or skin irritation. Avoid areas with scars, moles, stretch marks, or lumps. Select an area of skin that generally stays flat during normal daily activities (no bending or folding). Choose a site that is at least 1 inch away from an insulin injection site.
When is Sensor Glucose different from Blood Glucose:
• Physiological differences between the interstitial fluid and capillary blood may result in differences in glucose readings between the System and results from a fingerstick test using a blood glucose meter. Differences in glucose readings between interstitial fluid and capillary blood may be observed during times of rapid change in blood glucose, such as after eating, dosing insulin, or exercising.
What to know about interfering substances such as Vitamin C and Aspirin:
• Taking ascorbic acid (vitamin C) while wearing the Sensor may falsely raise Sensor glucose readings. Taking salicylic acid (used in some pain relievers such as aspirin and some skin care products) may slightly lower Sensor glucose readings. The level of inaccuracy depends on the amount of the interfering substance active in the body.
• Test results did not indicate interference for methyldopa (used in some drugs to treat high blood pressure) or tolbutamide (infrequently used in some drugs to treat diabetes in the US) at maximum circulating levels. However, concentrations of potential interferents in interstitial fluid are unknown compared to circulating blood.
What to know about X-Rays:
• The Sensor should be removed prior to exposing it to an X-ray machine. The effect of X-rays on the performance of the System has not been evaluated. The exposure may damage the Sensor and may impact proper function of the device to detect trends and track patterns in glucose values during the wear period.
When to remove the Sensor:
• If the Sensor is becoming loose or if the Sensor tip is coming out of your skin, you may get no readings or unreliable readings, which may not match how you feel. Check to make sure your Sensor has not come loose. If it has come loose, remove it and apply a new one.
• If you believe your glucose readings are not correct or are inconsistent with how you feel, perform a blood glucose test on your finger to confirm your glucose. If the problem continues, remove the current Sensor and apply a new one.
What to do if you are dehydrated:
• Severe dehydration and excessive water loss may cause inaccurate Sensor glucose readings. If you believe you are suffering from dehydration, consult your health care professional immediately.
What to know about the Reader’s Built-in Meter:
• The FreeStyle Libre 14 day Reader has a built-in blood glucose meter that is designed to be used only with FreeStyle Precision Neo blood glucose test strips and MediSense Glucose and Ketone Control Solution. Using other test strips with the Reader’s built-in meter will produce an error or cause the Reader’s built-in meter to not turn on or start a test. The Reader's built-in meter does not have ketone testing functionality.
• The Reader’s built-in meter is not for use on people who are dehydrated, hypotensive, in shock, or for individuals in hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state, with or without ketosis.
• The Reader’s built-in meter is not for use on neonates, in critically-ill patients, or for diagnosis or screening of diabetes.
• See Using the Reader’s Built-in meter section for additional important information on the use of the Reader’s built-in meter.
Where to charge your Reader:
• Be sure to select a location for charging that allows the power adapter to be easily unplugged. Do NOT block access to the charger due to the potential risk of electrical shock.
The FreeStyle Libre 2 Flash Glucose Monitoring System is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device with real time alarms capability indicated for the management of diabetes in persons age 4 and older. It is intended to replace blood glucose testing for diabetes treatment decisions, unless otherwise indicated.
The System also detects trends and tracks patterns and aids in the detection of episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, facilitating both acute and long-term therapy adjustments. Interpretation of the System readings should be based on the glucose trends and several sequential readings over time.
The System is also intended to autonomously communicate with digitally connected devices. The System can be used alone or in conjunction with these digitally connected devices where the user manually controls actions for therapy decisions.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Automated Insulin Dosing: The System must not be used with automated insulin dosing (AID) systems, including closed loop and insulin suspend systems.
MRI/CT/Diathermy: The System must be removed prior to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, or high-frequency electrical heat (diathermy) treatment. The effect of MRI, CT scans, or diathermy on the performance of the System has not been evaluated. The exposure may damage the Sensor and may impact proper function of the device which could cause incorrect readings.
WARNINGS
Before you use the FreeStyle Libre 2 System, review all the product instructions and the Interactive Tutorial. The Quick Reference Guide and Interactive Tutorial give you quick access to important aspects and limitations of the System. The User’s Manual includes all safety information and instructions for use. Talk to your health care professional about how you should use your Sensor glucose information to help manage your diabetes.
Failure to use the System according to the instructions for use may result in you missing a severe low blood glucose or high blood glucose event and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury. If your glucose alarms and readings from the System do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick blood glucose value from a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate.
• Do not ignore symptoms that may be due to low or high blood glucose: If you are experiencing symptoms that are not consistent with your glucose readings, consult your health care professional.
• Use your blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions when you see the Check Blood Glucose symbol during the first 12 hours of wearing a Sensor, if your Sensor glucose reading does not match how you feel, or if the reading does not include a number.
• Choking hazard: The System contains small parts that may be dangerous if swallowed.
CAUTIONS AND LIMITATIONS
Below are important cautions and limitations to keep in mind so you can use the System safely. They are grouped into categories for easy reference.
What to know about Glucose Alarms:
• For you to receive alarms, they must be on and your Reader should be within 20 feet of you at all times. The transmission range is 20 feet unobstructed. If you are out of range, you may not receive glucose alarms.
• To prevent missed alarms, make sure the Reader has sufficient charge and that sound and/or vibration are turned on.
• Alarms you receive do not include your glucose reading so you must scan your Sensor to check your glucose.
What to know before using the System:
• Review all product information before use.
• Take standard precautions for transmission of blood borne pathogens to avoid contamination.
• Make sure that your Reader and Sensor kits are kept in a safe place, under your control. This is important to help prevent anyone from accessing or tampering with the System.
Who should not use the System:
• Do not use the System in people less than 4 years of age. The System is not cleared for use in people under 4 years of age.
• Do not use the System if you are pregnant, on dialysis, or critically ill. The System is not cleared for use in these groups and it is not known how different conditions or medications common to these populations may affect performance of the System.
• Performance of the System when used with other implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers, has not been evaluated.
What should you know about wearing a Sensor:
• Wash application site on the back of your upper arm using a plain soap, dry, and then clean with an alcohol wipe. This will help remove any oily residue that may prevent the Sensor from sticking properly. Allow site to air dry before proceeding. Carefully preparing the site according to these instructions will help the Sensor stay on your body for the full 14 day wear period and help prevent it from falling off early.
• The Sensor can be worn for up to 14 days. Remember to always have your next Sensor available before your current one ends so you can keep getting your glucose readings.
• You must scan the Sensor to get your real-time current glucose level as the Reader will not provide this information without a scan.
• In the event that your Sensor stops working and you do not have another Sensor readily available, you must use an alternate method to measure your glucose levels and inform your treatment decisions.
• The System is designed to detect certain conditions which may occur where the Sensor is not working as intended and shut it off, telling you to replace your Sensor. This may occur if the Sensor gets knocked off from the skin or if the System detects that the Sensor may not be performing as intended. Contact Customer Service if you receive a Replace Sensor message before the end of the 14 day wear period. Customer Service is available at 1-855-632-8658 7 Days a Week from 8AM to 8PM Eastern Standard Time.
• Some individuals may be sensitive to the adhesive that keeps the Sensor attached to the skin. If you notice significant skin irritation around or under your Sensor, remove the Sensor and stop using the System. Contact your health care professional before continuing to use the System.
• Intense exercise may cause your Sensor to loosen due to sweat or movement of the Sensor. If the Sensor is becoming loose or if the Sensor tip is coming out of your skin, you may get no readings or unreliable low readings. Remove and replace your Sensor if it starts to loosen and follow the instructions to select an appropriate application site. Do not attempt to reinsert the Sensor. Contact Customer Service if your Sensor becomes loose or falls off before the end of the wear period. Customer Service is available at 1-855-632-8658 7 Days a Week from 8AM to 8PM Eastern Standard Time.
• Do not reuse Sensors. The Sensor and Sensor Applicator are designed for single use. Reuse may result in no glucose readings and infection. Not suitable for re-sterilization. Further exposure to irradiation may cause unreliable low results.
• If a Sensor breaks inside your body, call your health care professional.
How to Store the Sensor Kit:
• Store the Sensor Kit between 36°F and 82°F. Storage outside of this range may cause inaccurate Sensor glucose readings.
• If you suspect that the temperature may exceed 82°F (for example, in an un-airconditioned home in summer), you should refrigerate your Sensor Kit. Do not freeze your Sensor Kit.
• Store your Sensor Kit in a cool, dry place. Do not store your Sensor Kit in a parked car on a hot day.
• Store the Sensor Kit between 10-90% non-condensing humidity.
When not to use the System:
• Do NOT use if the Sensor Kit package, Sensor Pack, or Sensor Applicator appear to be damaged or already opened due to risk of no results and/or infection.
• Do NOT use if Sensor Kit contents past expiration date.
Do NOT use if the Reader appears to be damaged due to risk of electric shock and/or no results.
What to know before you Apply the Sensor:
• The Sensor Pack and Sensor Applicator are packaged as a set (separately from the Reader) and have the same Sensor code. Check that the Sensor codes match before using your Sensor Pack and Sensor Applicator. Do not use Sensor Packs and Sensor Applicators with different Sensor codes together as this will result in incorrect glucose readings.
• Wash application site on the back of your upper arm using a plain soap, dry, and then clean with an alcohol wipe. This will help remove any oily residue that may prevent the Sensor from sticking properly.
• Allow site to air dry before proceeding. Carefully preparing the site according to these instructions will help the Sensor stay on your body for the full 14 day wear period and help prevent it from falling off early.
• Clean hands prior to Sensor handling/insertion to help prevent infection.
• Change the application site for the next Sensor application to prevent discomfort or skin irritation.
• Only apply the Sensor to the back of the upper arm. If placed in other areas, the Sensor may not function properly.
• Select an appropriate Sensor site to help the Sensor stay attached to the body and prevent discomfort or skin irritation. Avoid areas with scars, moles, stretch marks, or lumps. Select an area of skin that generally stays flat during normal daily activities (no bending or folding). Choose a site that is at least 1 inch away from an insulin injection site.
When is Sensor Glucose different from Blood Glucose:
• Physiological differences between the interstitial fluid and capillary blood may result in differences in glucose readings between the System and results from a fingerstick test using a blood glucose meter.
• Differences in glucose readings between interstitial fluid and capillary blood may be observed during times of rapid change in blood glucose, such as after eating, dosing insulin, or exercising.
What to know about X-Rays:
• The Sensor should be removed prior to exposing it to an X-ray machine. The effect of X-rays on the performance of the System has not been evaluated. The exposure may damage the Sensor and may impact proper function of the device to detect trends and track patterns in glucose values during the wear period.
When to remove the Sensor:
• If the Sensor is becoming loose or if the Sensor tip is coming out of your skin, you may get no readings or unreliable readings, which may not match how you feel. Check to make sure your Sensor has not come loose. If it has come loose, remove it, apply a new one, and contact Customer Service.
• If you believe your glucose readings are not correct or are inconsistent with how you feel, perform a blood glucose test on your finger to confirm your glucose. If the problem continues, remove the current Sensor, apply a new one, and contact Customer Service. Customer Service is available at 1-855-632-8658 7 Days a Week from 8AM to 8PM Eastern Standard Time.
What to know about the Reader’s Built-in Meter:
• The FreeStyle Libre 2 Reader has a built-in blood glucose meter that is designed to be used only with FreeStyle Precision Neo blood glucose test strips and MediSense
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