Spinal cord stimulator adjustment to maximize implanted battery longevity: a randomized, controlled trial using a computerized, patient-interactive programmer.

Internally powered, implanted pulse generators (IPGs) have been an important advance in spinal cord stimulation for the management of pain, but they require surgical replacement, with attendant cost and risk, when the implanted battery is depleted. Battery life is determined by the programmed settings of the implant, but until now the technical means to optimize settings for maximal battery life, delaying surgical replacement as long as possible, Materials and Methods.  We have developed a patient-interactive, computerized programmer for use with IPGs.

Automated, patient-interactive, spinal cord stimulator adjustment: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Programmable, multicontact, implanted stimulation devices represent an important advance in spinal cord stimulation for the management of pain. They facilitate the technical goal of covering areas of pain by stimulation-evoked paresthesiae. Adjustment after implantation requires major investments of time and effort, however, if the capabilities of these devices are to be used to full advantage.