TRANSVERSE TRIPOLAR SPINAL-CORD STIMULATION - THEORETICAL PERFORMANCEOF A DUAL-CHANNEL SYSTEM

A new approach to spinal cord stimulation is presented, by which sever al serious problems of conventional methods can be solved. A transvers e tripolar electrode with a dual-channel voltage stimulator is evaluat ed theoretically by means of a volume conductor model, combined with n erve fibre models. The simulations predict that a high degree of freed om in the control of activation of dorsal spinal pathways may be obtai ned with the described system. This implies an easier control of parae sthesia coverage of skin areas and the possibility to correct undesire d paraesthesia patterns, caused by lead migration, tissue growth, or a natomical asymmetries, for example, without surgical intervention. It will also be possible to preferentially activate either dorsal column or dorsal root fibres, which has some important clinical advantages. C ompared to conventional stimulation systems, the new system has a rela tively high current drain.