How is it a spinal cord stimulator trial lead placement actually performed?
The patient is monitored with an EKG, blood pressure cuff and an oxygen-monitoring device. The procedure is performed under sterile conditions. In a spinal cord stimulator trial, temporary electrodes are placed and then the patient uses an external device to generate electrical current. The electrodes are placed under x-ray guidance with the patient lying on his belly. A local anesthetic is used to numb the skin and deeper tissues. An introducer needle is passed into the epidural space. The electrodes are inserted through the introducer needle. The position of the spinal cord stimulator electrodes is adjusted until stimulation covers as much of the painful area as possible. When this is accomplished, the introducer needle is removed and the temporary wire is secured to the skin with a small stitch and a large sticky bandage.
