Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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A new wireless spinal cord stimulation (SCS) technology, which was introduced in recent years, promises minimal invasive SCS as well as additional advantages such as a wide range of stimulation paradigms and 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conditionality. ⋯ Minimal invasive implantation of wireless SCS systems was feasible and safe. The device offered a broader range of stimulation paradigms compared to conventional SCS devices, an allowed for a prolonged testing phase and continuous adjustment of SCS programs.
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Multicenter Study
The Use of Remote Programming for Spinal Cord Stimulation for Patients With Chronic Pain During the COVID-19 Outbreak in China.
Due to the impact of COVID-19 epidemic, face-to-face follow-up treatments for patients with chronic pain and implanted spinal cord stimulation (SCS) devices are forced to be delayed or stopped. This has led to more follow ups being done remotely. Meanwhile, with the development of 4G/5G networks, smartphones, and novel devices, remote programming has become possible. Here, we investigated the demand and utility of remote follow-ups including remote programming for SCS for patients with chronic pain. ⋯ The remote programming was in high demand among participants. Most of the participants have tried remote follow-ups or even remote programming. The remote programming appeared to be more efficient, economic and were widely recognized among participants.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
To Trial or Not to Trial Before Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Neuropathic Pain: The Patients' View From the TRIAL-STIM Randomized Controlled Trial.
Objectives Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an established treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. Although a temporary SCS screening trial is widely used to determine suitability for a permanent implant, its evidence base is limited. The recent TRIAL-STIM study (a randomized controlled trial at three centers in the United Kingdom) found no evidence that an SCS screening trial strategy provides superior patient outcomes as compared with a no trial approach. ⋯ Participants' rated preferences show similar support for a one-stage procedure without a screening trial. Conclusions Our findings indicate an overwhelming preference among participants for a one-stage SCS procedure both before and after the implant, regardless of which procedure they had undergone. The qualitative study findings further support the TRIAL-STIM RCT results.
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High-frequency 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation (10 kHz-SCS) has achieved analgesia superior to traditional SCS in a number of studies. However, there is concern regarding long-term outcomes of 10 kHz-SCS. Prior work has suggested that explant rates are higher with 10 kHz-SCS. Our primary objective was to determine the explant rate of 10 kHz-SCS in a large patient cohort from multiple centers followed for at least 12 months after implant surgery. ⋯ We found 10 kHz-SCS explant rates to be similar to prior reported explant rates for traditional SCS devices. Patient-related factors including female sex and radiculopathy as the primary SCS indication may be protective factors against explantation.
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Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is used in the treatment of many chronic pain conditions. This study investigates racial and socioeconomic disparities in SCS among Medicare patients with chronic pain. ⋯ This study suggests that racial and socioeconomic disparities exist in SCS among Medicare and Medicaid patients with PLS and CPS. Further work is required to elucidate the complex etiology underlying these findings.