Epidural Electrical Stimulation of Spinal Cord for Intractable Pain and Other Abnormal Conditions

Abstract

We present a method of bipolar percutaneous epidural stimulation of the dorsum of the spinal cord in a variety of neurological diseases and intractable pain. The technique includes and applies to each of two electrodes: (1) Insertion in the epidural space of an 18 gauge spinal needle at the desired level. (2) Introduction of the electrode through the needle. (3) Withdrawal of the needle. (4) Repetition of Nos. 1,2, 3 for second electrode. Electrodes are connected to a receiver used for radiofrequency coupled stimulation of the spinal cord. If percutaneous stimulation is effective, the system is converted to a permanent implantation without laminectomy. The percutaneous electrodes are left in the epidural space but cut off subcutaneously and anastomosed to wires extending from a receiver placed subcutaneously at a different site.