Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a popular treatment modality for chronic pain, especially Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. However, stimulation coverage of axial pain is often difficult to obtain and/or maintain. The Lamitrode® TripoleTM 16C leads (ANS; Plano, TX) are paddle leads are technologically advanced for hard-to-cover back pain.

Materials and Methods

Data is being collected from an ongoing clinical research study being conducted with patients implanted with the Eon® Neurostimulation System (ANS; Plano, TX). The physician used his medical judgment in determining the best lead configuration for each patient. After informed consent is obtained, the patients are evaluated prior to the system implant, and then return for evaluation at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 18 months, and 2 years post implant. After the 3 month visit was completed, patients were asked to return to the clinic for a programming test visit. Pain scores, pain location, patient satisfaction, and quality of life measures were completed prior to the programming test. A series of 5 tests were performed, adding lateral and longitudinal guarding as the tests progressed. Stimulation coverage was documented after each test.

Results

Data presented consists of preliminary results from 5 patients enrolled at one clinical site who were implanted with the Lamitrode® Tripole 16C surgical lead and completed the programming test visit.

Conclusions

The in-line tripolar electrode configuration allows use of anodal guarding to confine the cathodic field to desired fibers, which allows a broad amplitude range between perception and discomfort thresholds. In addition, the availability of sixteen independently controlled electrodes offers extensive programming flexibility to cover complex pain patterns.