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Published on: February 10, 2011
Analysis of spinal cord stimulation and design of epidural electrodes by computer modeling
J Holsheimer1, J J Struijk, W A Wesselink
1Institute for Biomedical Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands; Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
Abstract:
This paper is an overview of the results of computer modeling of spinal cord stimulation, started ten years ago at the University of Twente, The Netherlands. Results are given of the analysis of various geometrical factors, including spinal anatomy, which influence the effect of spinal cord stimulation on nerve fiber recruitment and paresthesia coverage. In a second phase, the computer model was used for the design of new electrode configurations expected to give a better paresthesia coverage in the management of chronic pain. Two new electrode types are presented: the narrow bi-/tripole and the transverse tripole. The latter also enables adjusting the body area affected with paresthesia by means of a dual channel pulse generator giving simultaneous pulses, thereby limiting surgical interventions for electrode repositioning.
