Spinal cord stimulation · Peripheral nerve stimulation
Curonix
Curonix's Freedom platform removes the implanted battery entirely. Power and data are delivered through the skin by an externally worn transmitter, which means the implanted portion can be much smaller and there is no generator pocket in the conventional sense.
At a glance
- Signature technology
- HF-EMC wireless power
- Implanted battery
- None
- Contacts
- Four or eight
- Notable clearance
- Full-body PNS incl. craniofacial, July 2024
Wireless, battery-free stimulation powered from outside the body.
The Signature Technology
High Frequency-Electromagnetic Coupling
The implanted portion of the Freedom system is a small electrode array with four or eight contacts connected to a receiver containing a dipole antenna and stimulation circuitry — and nothing else. A small external rechargeable transmitter beams energy and programming data through the skin by radiative coupling. Because there is no implanted battery, there is no eventual battery-depletion replacement surgery of the type conventional systems require.
How It Works
From lead placement to therapy delivery
- 01
The electrode array is placed at the target — epidural for SCS, or alongside a specific peripheral nerve for PNS — and connected to the implanted receiver.
- 02
The patient wears the external transmitter over the implant site during therapy. Power and program data pass through the skin to the receiver.
- 03
Programs are configured by the physician using the WaveCrest software.
The Platforms
2 systems in the family
Each system in this family is built on the same underlying technology, but they differ in power source, size and intended use.
Freedom SCS
Wireless battery-free SCS
Spinal cord stimulation using the wireless HF-EMC powered architecture.
- No implanted battery
- Small implant profile
- External rechargeable transmitter
Freedom PNS
Wireless battery-free PNS
Permanent peripheral nerve stimulation. In July 2024 Curonix announced FDA clearance expanding the labeled indications to include the craniofacial region.
- First full-body permanent PNS clearance, including craniofacial
- Four- or eight-contact arrays
- For chronic intractable pain of peripheral nerve origin
The Evidence
What has been published
Each study is given with its design, who was actually in it, what it found and where it falls short — then a link to the paper itself, so you can check any of it. Most device trials are manufacturer-funded; that is normal in this field and it is labelled here rather than glossed over.
Craniofacial RCT
An IDE-supported multi-center randomized controlled trial enrolled 60 patients who received a Freedom PNS implant and were randomized to activated or deactivated stimulation, with follow-up at 3, 6 and 12 months, supporting the craniofacial clearance.
Long-term retrospective data
The manufacturer cites a retrospective study reporting greater than 70% pain improvement at all follow-up points and a 47% reduction in medication use at 24 months post-implant.
Company history
Curonix acquired the assets of Stimwave Technologies in November 2022 and has continued development of the wireless platform under the Curonix name.
These are the studies specific to Curonix. For the trials that shaped the whole field — and for how to read an industry-sponsored study fairly — see the clinical evidence library.
The Trade-offs
What to weigh before choosing this platform
No system is the right answer for every patient. These are considerations to discuss with the clinician who knows your history.
The trade-off for no implanted battery is an external wearable that must be worn for therapy to be delivered — which suits some patients well and others poorly.
The implant is two connected components placed through two incisions, including a subcutaneous pocket for the receiver.
The platform's regulatory history is unusual; current labeling should always be confirmed directly.
Regulatory status
The Freedom PNS System received FDA 510(k) clearance (K233162) in 2024 expanding indications to full-body permanent PNS, including the craniofacial region, for chronic intractable pain of peripheral nerve origin.
Indications, contraindications, warnings and MRI conditions are defined by the current labeling. Review the manufacturer's Instructions for Use at curonix.com and discuss them with your physician.
Wondering whether this therapy fits your situation?
Explore how candidacy is assessed, then discuss your pain pattern, imaging and prior treatments with a clinician. Device selection comes later.