Neurosurgery 73:550–553, 2013
A new generation of neurostimulation surgical leads is used to increase the success of spinal cord stimulation in difficult-to-treat indications such as failed back surgery syndrome. Minimal access spinal technologies (MASTs) have previously been used for surgical lead implantation. However, only a unilateral approach was possible, causing difficulties for median lead placement, and not always preventing laminectomy. A recent MAST technique was used to implant spinal cord stimulation leads without these limitations.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the MAST technique used in a pilot study.
METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive patients were implanted with a multicolumn surgical lead for refractory chronic back and leg pain by using the optic transligamentar MAST technique.
RESULTS: The MAST technique allowed median lead placement, facilitated visualization of the spine, and permitted transligamentar insertion that minimized scarring and muscle damage. No technique-related adverse events or lead revisions were reported.
CONCLUSION: Use of a MAST approach could be useful in safe implantation of multicolumn surgical leads in difficult-to-treat, refractory lower back pain conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome.
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