Multicenter Retrospective Study of Neurostimulation With Exit of Therapy by Explant.

Introduction: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) devices are cost effective and improve function as well as quality of life. Despite the demonstrated benefits of SCS, some patients have the device explanted. We are interested in exploring the patient characteristics of those explanted.

Intraoperative powdered vancomycin use with paddle lead placement.

Objectives: This is a prospective case-control study that was conducted to determine if the addition of intraoperative powdered vancomycin placed directly into the wounds at the time of closure might decrease the rate of acute postoperative infection after the placement of spinal cord stimulator paddle leads.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective analysis of the author's practice from January 1, 2009 through July 31, 2012 (Table 1) showed that those patients requiring a laminectomy instead of a laminotomy to insert a paddle lead had an increased rate of acute postop infection. All patients receiving a thoracic spinal cord stimulator paddle from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013 were then followed prospectively.

A novel technique for the implantation of paddle leads in the cervical spine.

Objectives: Electrical spinal cord stimulators are routinely used in the thoracic spine for back and lower extremity pain. The anatomy of the cervical spine differs significantly from that of the thoracic spine and deserves special considerations if these implants are to be inserted safely in the neck. This paper explores the technical challenges of implanting paddle leads in the cervical spine and offers a novel technique for implantation.

An innovative case report detailing the successful treatment of post-thoracotomy syndrome with peripheral nerve field stimulation.

Introduction: The detrimental effects of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome is experienced worldwide; however, an effective treatment regimen remains elusive.

Methods: We report a case of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome effectively treated with peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNfS).

Results: In the presented case, the patient underwent permanent placement of the PSfS device after a successful trial period.