An Algorithmic Programming Approach for Back Pain Symptoms in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Using Spinal Cord Stimulation with a Multicolumn Surgically Implanted Epidural Lead: A Multicenter International Prospective Study

Abstract

This study confirms the hypothesis that multicolumn SCS should be considered as an important tool in the treatment of radicular and axial pain in FBSS patients. The efficacy of this modality is based on a rigorous patient selection process, access to new generation lead technologies, but most importantly an algorithmic programming approach for optimal stimulation and electrical field shaping. With over 40 million potential programming combinations associated with 16 contact leads to achieve paresthesia coverage, optimal stimulation is often missed as either the patient or the clinician become exhausted or overwhelmed during the course of therapy programming and optimization session.