• Paul G Kreis, Scott M Fishman, and Katherine Chau.
• Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA. pgkreis@ucdavis.edu
• Pain Med. 2009 Apr 1;10(3):495-500.

BackgroundLead migration of spinal cord stimulators (SCS) is a significant problem, and experience suggests that anchoring sutures directly around the SCS lead may reduce migration. Such practices have been limited by concerns about potential damage to the lead and impairment of performance.ObjectiveThis study sought to determine the extent of overt damage following maximal tension from tying sutures directly around SCS leads.DesignTwenty-eight SCS leads were prospectively exposed to 56 suture knots that were tightened under controlled conditions to the suture's breaking point.Outcome MeasuresLead damage was evaluated by high power microscopy and assessment of lead impedance.ResultsNone of the leads had evidence of substantial physical damage or electrical impairment.ConclusionsThis small study suggests that anchoring directly to the lead appears to produce minimal damage, but these preliminary data must be confirmed and expanded.

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