Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients With Post-Laminectomy Syndrome in Testing Phase

Randomized, Single-blind, Multicenter, Crossover, Controlled Clinical Trial to Compare Difference on the Visual Analogue Scale With Two Modes of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients With Post-Laminectomy Syndrome in Testing Phase

Traditionally, pain relief through spinal cord stimulation has been associated with the appearance of paresthesia in the affected area. Several parameters are set to maximize the overexposure zone, such as frequency,and pulse width. Although this technique has improved pain in many patients, paresthesia itself can be uncomfortable. Traditionally, the occurrence of paresthesias has been considered to be a predictor of success in pain elimination, while the non-occurrence of paresthesias would indicate failure. So far, few studies have reported pain relief below the threshold of onset of paresthesia. Some clinical trials for pathologies other than the one considered in this study have achieved relief below the threshold by reducing the amplitude of the stimulus. Recently, however, it has been observed in a pilot study that, by increasing the frequency of spinal cord stimulation to 1 kilohertz, it is possible to significantly improve pain relief compared to less frequent conventional stimulation based on the occurrence of paresthesias.

A recent review by the Cochrane Library concluded that conventional spinal cord stimulation for pain relief of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (or FBSS) requires further clinical studies and better designs to demonstrate its superiority over other therapeutic options. Therefore, although spinal cord stimulation is accepted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), new techniques are being introduced that offer better results in terms of pain relief. Among these techniques, there is the high frequency mode, which allows avoiding the annoying sensation of paresthesia that substitutes pain with the conventional technique. In order to provide greater rigour and scientific quality, the present study is proposed, in which the conventional spinal cord stimulation (CME) technique (control branch or CME) is compared with paresthesias and a standard frequency (60 hertz) with a high frequency (1000 hertz) EVOLVE system (Evolve workflow - standardized guidance to simplify the trial and implant experience and optimize patient outcomes) (experimental branch or EME) by means of a design with a high degree of scientific evidence, randomising the global sample of patients to each of the two branches of stimulation in the study (blind to the patient) and crossing the branches after a period of washing

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients over 18 years of age.
• Patients with FBSS syndrome with leg pain or leg and back pain.
• Get a score on the visual analogue scale (VAS) ≥ 7.
• Have received medical pharmacological treatment for at least 6 months after back surgery.
• The patient has signed the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients under 18 years of age.
• Patients who require a diathermic energy source (microwave, ultrasound or short wave).
• Patients with a pacemaker.
• Patients carrying a defibrillator.
• Patient with a cochlear implant.
• Patients with other active implanted devices.
• Patients who are scheduled to have any of the following procedures during the study period: an MRI, defibrillation or cardioversion, electrocautery, lithotripsy, radiofrequency or microwave ablation, and any other high-frequency ultrasound procedure,
• Women of childbearing age who do not use adequate contraception.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Participation in another trial.
• Patients who have expressed a desire not to participate in the study and have not formed informed consent.
• Patients with a failed spinal cord stimulation implant previously