Article ID: 19-0032
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may cause cardiac pacemaker (PM) malfunction. We described a case of a 70-year-old female with arteriosclerosis obliterans where SCS was performed without interfering with the PM. Despite undergoing circulatory reconstructions seven times, SCS was requested as pain in the lower extremities persisted (NRS 7/10). The PM was needed for sick sinus syndrome. We confirmed an absence of interaction between SCS and PM by adjusting the electrode's position and stimulating the PM's intensity, frequency, and sensitivity with the VVI mode. The generator was implanted on the 7th day after placement of the electrodes. The pain decreased to NRS 4/10 when she was discharged on the 11th day without PM malfunction. Therefore, by carefully placing the stimulating electrodes and adjusting its parameters, SCS can be safely performed in the presence of a PM.
