[SCS (spinal cord stimulation) in severe ischemia of the legs]

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) of the low thoracic spinal epidural space was carried out in 11 patients with pain from peripheral arterial disease of the lower limbs. Conservative treatment or vasoactive drugs also failed. Results are reported relating to pain, exercise endurance on the bicycle ergometer, trophic lesion changes and TCpO2. After a mean postimulation follow-up period of 15 months, substantial pain relief was preoperative non healing skin ulcerations, but gangrenous conditions were not benefited. Exercise tolerance as measured on a bicycle ergometer increased by 40%. It is concluded that SCS is vary promising in severe limb ischemia where reconstruction surgery is not possible or has been unsuccessful.