How many surgeries are required?
Implantation is usually done in two steps: a trial implantation and a permanent implantation. The trial lets you and your physician try out the system to see if it will give you enough pain relief. The trial also lets your physician see your power and programming needs so he or she can decide which type of permanent spinal cord stimulation system will give you the best pain relief. If spinal cord stimulation adequately controls your pain, you will return to the operating room to receive a permanent system. Although it is called permanent, spinal cord stimulation is completely reversible therapy. If you want to stop treatment, you can simply turn off the device or have the implanted components removed.
