Neurostimulation for refractory angina pectoris

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been shown to be particularly useful, safe and effective treatment in the management of patients with refractory angina pectoris and those unsuitable for percutaneous or surgical revascularisation. Clinical and experimental research has shown that it decreases myocardial ischemia without masking the clinical symptoms of its imminent development. In addition to providing pain relief, neurostimulation has also been shown to improve microcirculatory blood flow and increase the myocardial threshold for ischaemia. The anti-ischaemic effects of SCS have been evaluated by: (a) exercise testing, (b) ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG), and (c) invasive measurements of lactate from coronary sinus blood samples. Patients have reported not only significantly fewer angina attacks but also decreased consumption of glyceryl trinitrate and improved quality of life. A number of mechanisms have been proposed including placebo effects, primary anti-nociceptive effects, involvement of endogenous opiates, anti sympathetic nervous system effects, increases in coronary blood flow, and redistribution of myocardial blood flow.