Epidural spinal cord stimulation in chronic non-reconstructible limb ischemia

For patients with chronic non-reconstructible limb ischemia (chronic CLI), spinal-cord stimulation (SCS) has been advocated for the treatment of ischemic pain and prevention of amputation. The present clinical report was performed to evaluate the long-term effects of SCS on limb survival. A retrospective review was performed of 21 patients who had undergone SCS between December 1997 and July 2002 due to chronic CLI. The impulse generator used was the Itrel device (Medtronic, Inc). All conventional methods for revascularization and improvement of microcirculatory blood flow had been performed prior to SCS treatment. Patient selection was performed by clinical examination, pulse volume records, Doppler ankle/brachial measurements, angiography, and thoracic spine and lumbar spine x-ray. Since July 2000, additional TcpO₂ measurements at the dorsum of the foot have been performed. SCS implantation was performed as a one-stage procedure in all cases. Patients are followed up to 57 months. Of 21 patients with chronic CLI, 20 (95%) were available for follow-up investigations. Four patients died one to fifteen months after implantation due to acute renal failure or myocardial infarction (19%). Major amputation could be avoided in 15 (71%) of 21 patients. Two electrode dislocation, one pulse-generator dislocation, and one wire disconnection occurred; no other complications were observed. SCS represents a safe and effective therapy for patients with chronic non-reconstructible critical limb ischemia.