Spinal Cord Stimulation Has Proven Benefit on Pain and Quality of Life in Patients With Angina Pectoris When Less Invasive Therapies Have Failed

Abstract

Background. Since 1988, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been used at Odense University Hospital for patients with refractory angina pectoris. The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the long-term effects of SCS on pain, activities of daily living (ADLs), quality of life (QOL), sleep hygiene, and physical functioning for patients with angina pectoris. Methods. Before and after placement of SCS for patients with intractable angina pectoris, we performed structured telephone interviews questioning for pain relief, ADLs (Nottingham Health Profile), physical functioning (Seattle Angina Questionnaire) and sleep hygiene. Results. Out of 150 patients with SCS over 15years, 41 patients had died, 46 patients had their devices explanted, and four patients did not participate or could not be reached. Three patients had less than 6months of follow-up and were therefore not included in our analysis. The beneficial effects of SCS treatment for intractable angina pectoris were reduction in pain and improvement in QOL. Sleep pattern and physical functioning were not improved to the same extent as reduction in pain or improvement in QOL. Almost all of our SCS-treated patients did recommend SCS for intractable angina pectoris. About 30% of patients discontinued treatment, the most common cause being electrode displacement and malfunction of the system. Other reasons for discontinued therapy were the evolvement of invasive treatment options such as coronary artery bypass graft and PTCA and use of such options in some patients during our prolonged observation period. Conclusion. This survey shows that SCS leads to a 70-80% improvement in pain, which, in turn, leads to improvement in QOL, whereas, physical condition and sleep pattern did not improve to the same extent.