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Spinal Cord Stimulation - Procedures
Procedures
The spinal cord stimulation system consists of several parts:
- A battery-powered device called a pulse generator is implanted in the back or abdomen. It generates low-voltage electrical stimulation at the spinal cord through an insulated wire lead. The pulse generator never has to be replaced - just the batteries that power it.
- A lead is implanted in the epidural space (next to the sac that surrounds the spinal cord) near the nerves that correspond to the patient's areas of pain.
- An external programmer allows patients to fine-tune therapy within physician prescribed parameters to address changing pain relief needs.
Spinal cord stimulation involves a two part process:
- Implantation of temporary spinal cord stimulator leads with trial period
- Permanent implantation of a spinal cord stimulator generator, if successful trial