title: Minimally invasive implantation of epidural spinal cord neurostimulator electrodes by using a tubular retractor system. Technical note.
abstract: The authors describe a novel technique for the implantation of multipolar epidural spinal cord neurostimulator electrodes with the aid of a tubular retractor system. Spinal cord neurostimulation is used as a neuroaugmentive tool for treating chronic intractable pain syndromes. Minimally invasive placement of the multipolar neurostimulator electrodes may allow for shorter hospital stays and less postoperative pain associated with the incision.
authors.affiliation: Section of Neurosurgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-02035, USA. Mattjohnson20@cox.net
authors.forename: Matthew R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Tomes
authors.forename: John S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Treves
authors.forename: Lyal G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Leibrock
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004566:Electrodes; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D059408:Pain Management; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000502:physiology*