Biplanar Fluoroscopy-Guided Percutaneous Lead Implantation for Spinal Cord Stimulation: Technical Note

The correct positioning of spinal cord stimulator leads is assessed radiographically during their percutaneous implantation for trial stimulation. Usually the C-arm is repositioned several times to allow imaging in different planes, which may extend the total duration of surgery. The study aimed to evaluate whether the concurrent intraoperative use of 2 C-arms could safely reduce the duration of surgery.

This retrospective study included cases of percutaneous implantation of a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) lead for trial neurostimulation between 2006 and 2011. The duration of the surgical intervention was recorded, along with the duration of the preparation stage in the operating room. In addition, total radiation exposure time per case was recorded.

Ninety-four patients underwent percutaneous implantation of an SCS lead (72 thoracolumbar, 22 cervical). In 73 cases 2 C-arms were used, with 21 cases performed with a single C-arm. In both the cervical and thoracolumbar groups, a biplanar configuration was associated with significant reduction in the mean length of the surgical phase, by 29 minutes (P = 0.017) and 14 minutes, respectively (P = 0.016), albeit while increasing the duration of the preoperative preparation stage. There was no significant difference in the total duration in the operating room or in the total radiation exposure time between groups.

Here we present a technical note on the use of a biplanar fluoroscopy configuration for percutaneous implantation of SCS leads. This arrangement correlated with a reduction in surgery duration without increasing total radiation exposure, representing a practical and safe adjustment to current practice.