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Method and device for acute pain management by simultaneous spinal cord electrical stimulation and drug infusion

  • US 5,423,877 A
  • Filed: 05/04/1992
  • Issued: 06/13/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/04/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for treatment of acute pain in a patient by providing analgesia for at least three contiguous dermatome and myotome regions by the combined application of electrical stimulation and infused medication to the nerve fibers and portion of the spinal cord associated with said dermatome and myotome regions, comprising the steps of:

  • (A) providing an electrode catheter adapted for insertion into the epidural region of the spinal cord having both conduit means to deliver analgesic medications and a plurality of electrical leads capable of providing electrical stimulation to nerve fibers and a portion of the spinal cord over a longitudinal distance of at least ten centimeters;

    (B) providing means to insert said electrode catheter percutaneously into the epidural region of the spinal cord adjacent to said nerve fibers and said portion of the spinal cord;

    (C) inserting said electrode catheter into said epidural region without the aid of fluoroscopy;

    (D) activating said electrical stimulation to stimulate said nerve fibers and said portion of the spinal cord to create paresthesias in corresponding dermatome and myotome regions;

    (E) communicating with the patient to determine which dermatome and myotome regions are experiencing paresthesias;

    (F) positioning said electrode catheter within said epidural region to stimulate said nerve fibers and said portion of the spinal cord associated with the particular dermatome and myotome regions to be provided analgesia through continued communication with the patient as to which dermatome and myotome regions are experiencing paresthesias;

    (F) providing analgesia to said particular dermatome and myotome regions by simultaneous application of electrical stimulation and infusion of analgesic medication to said nerve fibers and said portion of the spinal cord.

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