The results of spinal cord stimulation in critical limb ischaemia: A review

G. H.J.J. Spincemaille, H. C.W. De Vet, D. Ubbink, M. J.H.M. Jacobs

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

37 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives: to determine which patients with unreconstructible critical limb ischaemia (CLI) might benefit from spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Methods: literature review. Results: limb salvage in patients with an intermediate transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcpO2) was not significantly higher with SCS (76%) than with conservative therapy (p = 0.08). However, a limb salvage of 88% was achieved with SCS if the difference between the supine and sitting TcpO2 baseline values (ΔTcpO2) was ≥ 15 mmHg. A rise in TcpO2 after trial stimulation of at least 15% resulted in a limb salvage of 77% at 18 months (p<0.01). Conclusion: randomised studies show no benefit of SCS over conservative therapy in patients with non-reconstructible CLI. However, data from experimental and non-randomised studies suggest this may be due to sub-optimal patient selection for SCS. Further trials are needed to identify subgroups who may benefit from SCS.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)99-105
Number of pages7
JournalEuropean Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Volume21
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2001

Keywords

  • Critical limb ischaemia
  • Microcirculation
  • Spinal cord stimulation
  • TcpO

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