Coronary artery disease
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Coronary artery disease · Jun 2003
Temporary cessation of spinal cord stimulation in angina pectoris-effects on symptoms and evaluation of long-term effect determinants.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been used since 1985 for patients with refractory angina pectoris. Spinal cord stimulation has anti-ischaemic effects and reduces angina effectively. After long-term treatment, temporary cessation of stimulation may occur due to SCS battery depletion or electrode fracture. The aim of the present study was to assess anginal symptoms and functional status during SCS dysfunction and after its restitution. ⋯ This study indicates that SCS relieves angina effectively also after long-term treatment, without development of tolerance. The findings suggest that mechanisms other than placebo and spontaneous variation of symptoms are responsible for the improvement in angina during SCS.