Minerva cardioangiologica
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Minerva cardioangiologica · Dec 1996
[The role of spinal cord electric stimulation in critical ischemia of the extremity].
The aim of this study is to evaluate, through a retrospective analysis of our experience, the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in conservative treatment of critical limb ischaemia. During a 7-year period, at our Institution, SCS has been performed in 35 patients affected by severe lower limb ischaemia with angiographic multilevel distal lesions; femoro-distal bypass was not advisable or had failed due to poor outflow conditions. Basing upon clinical criteria (regression of rest pain, claudicatio and ischaemic lesions, limb salvage and need of amputation) the results of therapy were distinguished in "good,", "satisfactory" and "poor". ⋯ SCS has been reported to reduce ischaemic pain and improve ulcer healing and microcirculation in ischaemic limbs. Our experience and recent studies have provided strong evidence that SCS reduces tissue loss and improves limb salvage rate in inoperable patients. A prospective randomised study will be helpful in defining if SCS should represent an efficacious and alternative procedure to bypass in the treatment planning of critical leg ischaemia.