New study tests simpler method for spinal cord stimulator placement
NCT ID NCT02986074
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested two different methods for placing a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) lead in people with chronic back pain. One method uses the patient's sensation of tingling (paresthesia) to guide placement, while the other uses the spine's natural midline as a guide. Sixty adults with failed back surgery syndrome and severe pain took part. The goal was to see if the simpler, anatomy-based method works as well as the standard technique.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- spinal cord stimulation device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that a simpler, anatomy-based lead placement works as well as the standard method, potentially making the procedure easier and more consistent.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study with 60 participants comparing two techniques. Results may not apply to all pain types or patients, and individual outcomes can vary.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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60 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2016
- Finished
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Aug 2019
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Subject is able to provide informed consent to participate in the study; * Subject is 18 years of age or older; * Subject has failed to respond to at least 6 months of conventional treatment including pharmacological treatment, physical therapy, epidural injections and/or radiofrequency therapy as per NICE Tag 0159; * FBSS subjects with predominant low back pain; * Subject has a lower back pain intensity of at least 6.0 out of 10.0 on the VAS at baseline; * Subject is on stable pain medications with a total opioid equivalent of 120 mgs a day or less for at least 28 days prior to enrolling in this study, and is willing to stay on those medications with no dose adjustments until activation of the permanently implanted SCS device; * Subject's medical record has been evaluated by the Investigator to ensure that the subject is a good candidate for a neurostimulation system; * Subject is willing to cooperate with the study requirements including compliance with the regimen and completion of all office visits; * Female candidates of child-bearing potential agree to commit to the use of an effective method of contraception (including but not limited to sterilization, barrier devices, oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), condoms, rhythm method, or abstinence) for the duration of the study Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects with significant scoliosis even if surgically corrected * Subject is currently participating in a clinical investigation that includes an active treatment arm; * Subject has been implanted with or participated in a trial period for a neurostimulation system; * Subject has an infusion pump; * Subject has evidence of an active disruptive psychological or psychiatric disorder as determined as per standard of care; * Subject has a current diagnosis of a coagulation disorder, bleeding diathesis, progressive peripheral vascular disease or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus; * Subject has a current diagnosis of a progressive neurological disease as determined by the Investigator; * Subject is immunocompromised; * Subject has an existing medical condition that is likely to require repetitive MRI evaluation in the future (i.e. epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, acoustic neuroma, tumor); * Subject has history of cancer requiring active treatment in the last 12 months; * Subject has an existing medical condition that is likely to require the use of diathermy in the future; * Subject has documented history of allergic response to titanium or silicone; * Subject has a documented history of substance abuse (narcotics, alcohol, etc.) or substance dependency in the 6 months prior to baseline data collection; * Female candidates of child bearing potential that are pregnant (confirmed by positive urine/blood pregnancy test).
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Seacroft Hospital
Leeds, Yorkshire and the Humber, LS14 6UH, United Kingdom
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St. Thomas Hospital
London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
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