DOI: 10.1213/xaa.0000000000002303 ISSN: 2575-3126
Perioperative Management of an Implanted Spinal Cord Stimulator: A Problem-Based Learning Discussion
Alisha LaBuda, Eileen Hsieh, Ahmad R. Saleh, Lana Joudeh, David HaoSpinal cord stimulators (SCS) are increasingly implanted for chronic pain conditions, yet most anesthesiologists lack standardized training in their perioperative management. We present a case of a patient with an implanted SCS presenting for elective surgery, using this clinical scenario to address key decision points: preoperative device identification, electromagnetic interference from surgical energy sources, intraoperative monitoring considerations, and postoperative reactivation and analgesia. This report aims to equip clinicians with a practical framework for the perioperative care of patients with implanted neurostimulation devices.