[Stimulation of the spinal cord in peripheral vasculopathies]

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) by means of percutaneously implantable epidural electrodes was utilized for the treatment of benign pain of different etiologies. The technique was particularly useful when dealing with pain due to peripheral obstructive vascular disease. Improvement of claudication and of trophic lesions occurred as well. Different techniques were utilized in order to evaluate changes in peripheral blood flow during SCS. The results of our studies, even though not conclusive, suggest that SCS induces an increase in peripheral blood flow. A reduction of sympathetic out-flow during SCS was demonstrated by our group in studies of Heart Rate in man. Such so called "Reversible Functional Sympathectomy" can, at least partially, account for the results of SCS in peripheral vasculopathies.