Practice Parameters for the Use of Spinal Cord Stimulation in the Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic Pain

Generator Failure

What is the incidence, time to appearance of symptoms, usual resolution and impact on therapy, and worst case adverse sequelae of implanted pulse generator failure, and how can this risk be reduced?

• Incidence: rare, with the exception of battery depletion
• Time to appearance of symptoms: variable, albeit battery depletion is more or less predictable
• Treatment: revision as necessary
• Usual resolution and impact on therapy: resolves upon revision; interrupts therapy pending revision
• Worst case adverse sequelae: infection complicating replacement, necessitating removal of the entire system
• Risk reduction: careful choice of generator

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