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Treating Low Back Pain in Failed Back Surgery Patients with Multicolumn-lead Spinal Cord Stimulation
Published on: June 26, 2018
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Multisystem Spinal Cord Stimulation Trialing: A Single Center, Retrospective, Observational Study
Patrick Buchanan1, Dale Kiker1, Alireza Katouzian1
1Spanish Hills Interventional Pain Specialists, Camarillo, California, USA.
Summary
Multi-system spinal cord stimulation (SCS) trials are safe and effective for chronic pain patients. This approach allows patients to experience multiple SCS systems, improving pain relief and functional outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Management
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a recognized treatment for chronic intractable pain.
- Existing research often compares investigational devices to commercial therapies.
- Real-world data on selecting SCS therapy, considering device variability, is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a methodology for patient-centric, multi-system SCS trialing.
- To address the lack of real-world data on SCS system selection.
Main Methods:
- A single-center, retrospective, open-label observational chart review was conducted.
- 83 patients underwent SCS trials between June 2017 and June 2019, trialing up to three commercially available systems.
- Patients proceeded with implantation if they reported ≥50% pain relief or functional improvement.
Main Results:
- 82% of patients proceeded to permanent SCS implant.
- Average pain scores improved from 6.8 (baseline) to 2.9 (post-implantation) on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS).
- Low rates of lead migration (1.2%) and no infections were observed during trials.
Conclusions:
- Multi-system trialing is a safe and effective strategy for SCS.
- It enhances patient exposure to various SCS systems, aiding treatment selection.

