Abstract
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been successfully used to treat chronic pain syndromes for decades. For this purpose, an electrode is implanted into the epidural space under local anaesthesia and connected to a neurostimulator which applies a weak direct current to the dorsal roots of the spinal column. Besides pain control, SCS increases the blood supply in the stimulated area. This effect is mediated by a sympathicolytic effect and the liberation of vasodilatators within the stimulated skin area. A Cochrane meta-analysis has revealed a significantly increased limb salvage rate in patients with non-reconstructable critical limb ischaemia (CLI) treated with SCS. The effect of SCS in CLI might be predicted by the measurement of forefoot transcutaneous pO (2) in supine and dependent positions, which renders trial stimulation unnecessary in many cases.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.