Spinal Cord Stimulator
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a procedure that uses an electrical current to treat chronic pain. A small pulse generator sends electrical pulses to the spinal cord. These pulses interfere with the nerve impulses that make you feel pain. They decrease pain signals from being received by the brain.
Trial
- One of the advantages to SCS is that you are able to undergo a trial period of 3-7 days prior to implanting the device to determine if it is effective for you.
- The trial is performed under light sedation. Trail leads are placed into the epidural space. After the leads are placed and programmed, they are sterilely taped to your back.
- You wear the leads for an average of 4 days to determine whether the therapy is effective for you. If you receive significant benefit, you will be scheduled to implant the device.
Implant
- SCS implant is a same day minimally invasive surgery. The leads are placed in the same location as the trial.
- Unlike the trial, 2 small incisions are created to implant the leads under the skin.
- Options of implanting a battery under the skin vs. implanting a small wireless device will be discussed prior to the trial.
PTCA Treatments
Click on the Treatment below for more information.