Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Current published guidelines recommend advanced imaging, specifically, thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), prior to implantation of epidural paddle spinal cord stimulator (SCS) leads. Preoperative imaging may affect surgical approach to minimize risk of complications. We aimed to assess the impact of preoperative thoracic MRI on surgical planning in a large series of surgical paddle SCS lead placements in a real-world setting. ⋯ This is the largest case series assessing the impact of preoperative thoracic MRI on surgical planning for patients undergoing paddle SCS placement. Twenty-two percent of patients had MRI findings that impacted surgical planning with 3% requiring additional surgical decompression for safe paddle lead placement. Without advanced imaging to inform surgical planning, unnecessary risk may have been placed on these patients. Although such imaging has been recommended by consensus committees in published guidelines, our study is the first to present a large institutional experience of real-world data that demonstrates its importance.
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To investigate the long-term changes in thecal sac compression following T9 paddle lead spinal cord stimulation (SCS) using three-dimensional myelographic computed tomography (CT). ⋯ Significant early reduction and late partial restoration occurred in the thecal sac and spinal cord and the width of the anterior and posterior CSF spaces in the T9 5-column paddle lead SCS. Thecal sac compromise was expected to some extent after paddle lead implantation, but the degree is significant, and the cross-sectional area of the spinal cord as well as the thecal sac is affected. Fortunately, these anatomical changes did not cause any clinical problems except for intercostal root irritation. The shape and flat contours of the five-column paddle leads clearly affected the results.
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Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is increasingly utilized in the treatment of multiple chronic pain conditions. However, patients will continue to experience other medical issues and the potential for future magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) needs must not be overlooked. SCS devices have device-specific MRI conditional labeling and if impedances are elevated the patient may not be able to obtain an MRI. With 10 kHz SCS devices specifically, an impedance value above 10,000 ohms (Ω) is MRI ineligible. The primary objective of this article was to report the incidence of elevated impedances with a multilumen lead design per electrode, per lead, and to describe the total number of MRI ineligible patients due to elevated impedances using 10 kHz SCS cutoff values. The secondary objective was to determine whether certain patient demographics or surgery characteristics put patients at increased risk of elevated impedances. ⋯ We found the prevalence of elevated impedances above 10,000 Ω to be 4% of implanted patients. This information is important for patients and physicians alike and should be considered when device selection is occurring in the pre-operative visits.