Optimizing spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain relief
Improving Spinal Cord Stimulation With ECAPS
University of Minnesota · NCT04938245
This study is testing a new way to personalize spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain by measuring how it affects the nerves in patients with spinal cord implants.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 22 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT04938245 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the optimization of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) using evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) in patients with spinal cord implants. SCS has been utilized for over 50 years to manage chronic pain by modulating spinal cord activity, yet personalization of therapy remains a challenge. The study aims to address this by measuring the effects of stimulation on spinal circuits through ECAPs, which may provide insights into individual pain circuits and improve treatment outcomes. Participants will be monitored during their scheduled externalization of spinal cord stimulation to assess the efficacy of this approach.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are medically stable patients scheduled for externalization of spinal cord stimulation who are English-speaking.
Not a fit: Patients scheduled for permanent implantation without a trial or those with pacemakers or other neurostimulators may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized and effective pain management strategies for patients with chronic pain.
How similar studies have performed: While spinal cord stimulation has been widely used, the specific approach of utilizing ECAPs for optimization is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Medically stable as determined by the principal investigator * Scheduled to undergo externalization of spinal cord stimulation * English-speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Scheduled for permanent implantation only without trial * Have pacemakers or other neurostimulators * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Minneapolis, Minnesota
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David Darrow, MD, MPH — University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Neurosurgery
- Study coordinator: David Darrow, MD, MPH
- Email: darro015@umn.edu
- Phone: (612)-634-6666
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Chronic Pain