Longevity and costs of spinal cord stimulation systems in patients with refractory angina pectoris

To evaluate the longevity and estimate the costs of all the spinal cord stimulator (SCS) systems, we implanted from 1987 through July 1,1997, in relation to output settings and lead complications we studied all the patients who received a SCS system as an adjuvant therapy for severe angina pectoris unresponsive to standard therapies. Sixty-seven (24 females) patients, mean age 60.2 (39-75) years with either a bipolar (49) or an unipolar system (18) were evaluated. The mean adjusted stimulation output at implantation was 4.2 (0.7-9.5) V, and the mean standardized impedance 920 (560-1667) Ohm. All other settings were not altered (i.e. 210 mu ms pulse width, 85 Hz). The patients were allowed to stimulate 3 times per day and additionally when experiencing an angina pectoris.