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What Should Be the Standard of Care for Implanting a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
If you have experienced chronic pain, you may consider having a spinal cord stimulator implanted. While many individuals have benefited from the procedure, it does not come without significant risks. If you have recently experienced complications from a spinal cord stimulator, our Louisville medical malpractice lawyers are here to recover just compensation on your behalf.
What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
A spinal cord stimulator is a device that consists of a battery pack (generator) and small, thin wires (electrodes) that send electrical signals to targeted muscle groups. The electrodes are placed between the spinal cord and vertebrae (epidural space), with the generator being placed just below the surface of the skin. When patients feel pain, they can use a remote to send electrical impulses to the spine. These impulses replace pain with a tingling sensation.
What Conditions Can a Spinal Cord Stimulator Treat?
Spinal cord stimulation is used to treat the following conditions:
- Back pain
- Post-surgical pain
- Heart pain (angina)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Pain from amputation
- Nerve-related pain
Acceptable Practice for Spinal Cord Stimulation Surgery
Spinal cord stimulation surgery consists of two phases:
Trial Period
In the first stage of getting a spinal cord stimulator, you will get a temporary device to try out. Your surgeon will use a fluoroscopy to place the electrical leads in the epidural space. The procedure only requires one small incision in your lower back. The generator will remain outside your body, usually located on a belt that you wear.
During this period, you will try out the device for about a week to determine if it is helping to reduce your pain. The trial period is considered successful if your pain is reduced by at least 50%.
Surgical Stimulation Implantation
If the trial period is successful, then you will be scheduled to have the device permanently implanted. It is usually an outpatient procedure, taking about 1-2 hours in the OR. Typically, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area, and two incisions will be made, one along the lower abdomen or buttocks (to insert the generator) and another along the spine (to insert the electrical leads).
During the procedure, your surgeon will use a fluoroscopy to ensure appropriate placement of the leads. Once placed, the leads will be anchored by sutures to ensure that they do not move. Your surgeon may ask you questions during the procedure once the device is implanted and in operation to ensure that the device is properly working.
Risks of a Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation
Spinal cord stimulation is a surgical procedure that is performed after all other options have been exhausted. Since it is an extreme measure, the surgery does come with risks, including:
- Infection: If the device gets infected, you may need surgery to treat it or have the device removed entirely.
- Electrodes moving out of position: If the electrodes are displaced, this may result in reduced pain relief and may require the patient to undergo revision surgery.
- Electrodes breaking or malfunctioning: Since the vertebrae of your spine allow you to bend, there is a risk that the electrodes will be unable to match this flexibility, causing them to break or malfunction. In this case, you will need to undergo a revision surgery to replace the electrodes.
- Injuries from broken or displaced electrodes: There is a risk that a displaced electrode may damage your spine or connective tissues. While permanent injuries are rare, they can occur.
- The generator malfunctioning or failing: There is a risk that the generator (the device’s power source) may malfunction. Repairing or replacing a broken generator requires a revision surgery. Additionally, a generator battery only lasts several years, after which time, the batteries will need to be replaced.
While some risks may be unavoidable, others may be caused by the placed sutures not having the proper tension (being too loose), if the fluoroscopy was not used during the procedure, or any type of surgical error.
Speak with our Louisville Medical Malpractice Lawyer
If you have experienced complications from a spinal cord stimulation surgery, you may be entitled to compensation. At Wilt Injury Lawyers, our Louisville medical malpractice lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of medical negligence recover the financial resources they need. To learn more, contact us online or by phone to schedule your free case review.