Occipital nerve stimulator placement via a retromastoid to infraclavicular approach: a technical report

Occipital nerve stimulation is a form of peripheral nerve stimulation used to treat refractory headache disorders. Various techniques have been described for occipital nerve stimulator implantation; these include midline cervical or retromastoid lead insertion with internal pulse generator placement in the infraclavicular, gluteal or low abdominal regions. Lead migration is one of the most common complications of occipital nerve stimulators. Implantation approaches that include remote battery sites may contribute to mechanical stress on the components, as the leads or extensions may traverse highly mobile body regions. In this technical report, we describe an occipital stimulator implantation technique that may be advantageous in terms of patient positioning, ease of surgical approach and minimization of mechanical stress on components.