Abstract
We report a patient with limb ischemia whose peripheral tissue oxygen tension predicted good results with spinal cord stimulation. A 65-year-old man underwent amputation of the right first toe because of arteriosclerosis obliterans. Pain persisted in the stump. Surgical sympathectomy and medications did not improve peripheral circulation or pain of the toe. Electrical test stimulation of the spinal cord did not lessen the pain; however, tissue oxygen tension increased and blood began to ooze in the toe during the electrical stimulation. A pulse generator was implanted immediately after test stimulation. Spinal cord stimulation gradually lessened the pain. Angiography showed improved circulation to the affected foot. We conclude that peripheral tissue oxygen tension during electrical test stimulation of the spinal cord can be a good predictor to implant a pulse generator for the treatment of ischemic limb.
