The American Academy of Pain Medicine      Annual Meeting Home Page     
24th Annual Meeting
February 13-16, 2008
Orlando, FL

© 2006 American Academy of Pain Medicine
 


Thursday, February 14, 2008
140

A Patient Report of Differences in Constant Current and Constant Voltage Stimulation

Kenneth Alò, MD1, Jack Bornstein, RN2, Don Donnelly, BS2, and Dave Primm, MA, ELS2. (1) Kenneth Alò, MDPA, Houston, TX, USA, (2) Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Plano, TX, USA

Introduction Implantable pulse generators (IPGs) are available with constant voltage and constant current designs. Differences in constant voltage and constant current stimulation pulses1 can be represented graphically (Fig. 1). Constant voltage pulses have current amplitudes that peak and then fall in response to tissue properties that include impedance. In contrast, constant current pulses have current amplitudes that are unchanged throughout the duration of the pulse. Because constant voltage systems adjust their current to accommodate changing impedance, their total charge (current amplitude × pulse width) can be reduced, requiring adjustments in voltage or pulse width in response. Constant current systems provide a steady charge and generally require fewer adjustments than constant voltage systems as the impedance varies.2 Methods A 59-year-old male with post-laminectomy syndrome was implanted with a spinal cord stimulation system consisting of a constant voltage IPG and dual quadrapolar leads. After its battery depleted, the IPG was replaced with a constant current design using a lead extension to make it compatible with the patient's existing leads (Fig 2). The patient's stimulation programming and electrode polarities were adjusted slightly after surgery (Fig. 3). Retrospectively, the patient answered questions about pain relief, functionality, and stimulation sensations provided by the two IPGs. Results The patient reported improved pain relief and functioning with the constant current device. He also described his stimulation sensations as more soothing and comfortable (Fig. 4). Conclusion The patient's report of improved stimulation quality with the constant current IPG may be related to the pulse shape and consistent charge provided by the device. Further inquiry is needed to confirm the relationship between stimulation sensation and constant current and constant voltage systems.


References:
  1. Local signaling: passive electrical properties of the neuron. In: Kandel ER, Schwartz J, Jessell T, eds. Principles of Neural Science. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2000.
  2. Holsheimer J. Principles of neurostimulation. In: Simpson BA, ed. Electrical Stimulation and the Relief of Pain. Boston, Mass.: Elsevier; 2003. Pain Research and Management, Vol. 15.

Funding: This research was supported by Advanced Neuromodulation Systems.

Don Donnelly, BS
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: ANS, employee