Stimulator generator#
Stimulator skin#
Stimulator trial#

It is recommended that patients on a blood thinner, like aspirin, stop at least a week before the procedure.

Stimulator generator#

Leads will be placed along the spinal cord and attached to a generator and bandages will be applied over the implant.

The generator will be placed in the area of the body that the patient and the doctor have agreed upon. The permanent implantation requires a relatively short surgical procedure, about 1 to 2 hours, under light sedation or general anesthesia.

Stimulator trial#

If the trial is successful, a permanent implant procedure is scheduled. When the leads are in the optimum location, they are connected to a portable, external generator.ĭuring the trial, the patient will take notes to track how well the stimulator handles the pain.

Stimulator skin#

The stimulator is implanted under the skin of the abdomen and small, coated wires-called leads-are then inserted under the skin with a needle to the point they are inserted in the spinal canal. This outpatient procedure is generally performed under light sedation or occasionally general anesthesia. Initially this procedure is done on a trial basis, with a permanent implant put in if the outcome is positive. This will be connected to a battery pack (stimulator generator) which is placed under the skin either in the left or right buttock, for which a 2-3 inch incision is made for adequate placement of this device. If you do have pain coverage with stimulation, you will be put back to sleep with general anesthesia and a 1-2 inch incision will be made in your lower back to secure the stimulator electrodes in place. Once the electrodes are in place, you will be woken up from anesthesia and asked if you feel stimulation in the area of your pain to confirm adequate placement.

Using X-ray guidance, a needle is placed so that the stimulator electrodes may be guided into the appropriate position in the spinal canal. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and you will be asleep during the surgery. The electrodes are connected to an external battery that is programmed to match your specific pain.įor the spinal cord stimulator implantation: After it has been determined that the spinal cord stimulator is effective for managing your pain during the spinal cord stimulator trial you will be scheduled for implantation at a local hospital. A dressing will be applied to keep the electrodes clean, dry and protected during the trial period, which may last from 5-10 days. If you do have pain coverage with the stimulation, the electrodes will then be secured to your skin to maintain proper positioning.

Once the electrodes are in place, you will be asked if you feel stimulation in the area of your pain to confirm adequate placement. This device interrupts nerve conduction (such as conduction of pain signals) to the brain.įor the spinal cord stimulator trial: Using x-ray guidance, a needle is placed so that the stimulator electrodes may be guided into the appropriate position in the spinal canal. A spinal cord stimulator is a specialized device, which stimulates nerves by tiny electrical impulses via small electrical wires placed in the epidural space just outside the spinal space.