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Lodged spinal cord stimulator trial lead: a case report
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Daegu Catholic University Hospital, Daegu, Korea.
Summary
A spinal cord stimulator trial lead lodged in the back. Extreme patient positioning, like knee-to-chest, helped remove the lead, potentially avoiding surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Pain Management
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implantation is a common procedure for chronic pain management.
- Trial leads are used to assess efficacy before permanent implantation.
- Complications, though rare, can occur during lead placement and removal.
Observation:
- A case report details a spinal cord stimulator trial lead becoming lodged in posterior lumbar soft tissue.
- The lead resisted removal attempts with moderate force and spinal flexion.
- Radiographic imaging confirmed the metallic lead edge was wedged into the soft tissue.
Findings:
- Successful lead removal was achieved by placing the patient in an extreme knee-to-chest position.
- This maneuver may have altered tissue tension, facilitating lead extraction.
- The intervention potentially averted the need for surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of patient positioning in managing lead removal complications.
- Suggests an alternative, non-surgical approach for lodged SCS trial leads.
- Informs procedural techniques to minimize risks associated with SCS lead placement and removal.
