A spinal cord stimulator implant is a device that is surgically placed under your skin. Its role is to send mild electric currents to your spinal cord that stimulates the nerves in areas with pain. Electrical pulses modify pain signals from reaching the brain.
Types of Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant
- A pulse generator with a battery that creates the electrical pulses.
- A lead wire with a number of electrodes (8-32) that delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord.
- A hand-held remote control that turns the device on and off and adjusts the settings.
What Happens During Surgery?
During surgery, you will be given light anesthesia. The electrode leads will then be inserted with the help of Fluoroscopy and the leads will be positioned and placed in the epidural space above the spinal cord. After the lead electrodes are positioned correctly, the wire is passed under the skin from the spine to the buttock where the generator will be implanted. The lead wire will be attached to the pulse generator within the skin pocket.
What happens after surgery?
Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration will be monitored, and your back pain will be addressed. Patients are discharged the same day except for special cases. The pulse generator will be programmed before you leave and further instructions will be given to you before you leave.