Spinal cord stimulation significantly improves refractory angina pectoris-a local experience spinal cord stimulation in refractory angina.

BACKGROUND

Severe refractory angina pectoris can occur in end-stage coronary artery disease despite maximal medical and revascularization therapy. Spinal cord stimulation is an under-utilized but well-established modality for the treatment of intractable angina pain.

AIM

To illustrate the practical, beneficial and effective use of spinal cord stimulation as a treatment option for refractory angina in a local context.

METHOD

A case series clinical audit of 11 patients with refractory angina treated with spinal cord stimulation over a one-year period was carried out. Baseline, three-month, six-month and two-year functional assessment data and subjective patient reports on their symptoms were evaluated.

RESULTS

Spinal cord stimulation improves six-minute walk distance, exercise duration, New York Heart Association functional class, Likert score, and number of angina free days per week for at least one year over two years of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Spinal cord stimulation is an effective medium-term treatment option for refractory angina pectoris with significant benefits to functional parameters and patient symptoms. Spinal cord stimulation is an under-utilized but well-established modality for the treatment of intractable angina pain. We report a small case series clinical audit of patients who gained significant functional and symptomatic benefits from this treatment.