{"id":7972,"date":"2024-12-26T15:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-26T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7972"},"modified":"2024-12-26T15:30:00","modified_gmt":"2024-12-26T15:30:00","slug":"columbia-va-performs-first-spinal-cord-stimulation-implantation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7972","title":{"rendered":"Columbia VA performs first spinal cord stimulation implantation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2024-12-26T15:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

Columbia VA<\/a> achieved a significant milestone Dec. 4 by performing its first spinal cord stimulation (SCS) implantation. This cutting-edge procedure provides relief to those experiencing chronic pain and who haven\u2019t responded to other treatments.<\/p>\n

The process began with a trial phase to evaluate pain relief. If the trial provides at least a 50% reduction in pain symptoms, the patient becomes eligible for permanent implantation.<\/p>\n

During the final procedure, the patient was placed under general anesthesia. The surgical team inserted thin wires\u2014called leads\u2014along the spinal cord in the areas identified during the trial. A small battery pack which powers the device was placed under the skin near the patient\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is significant as it represents an expansion of potential treatments for our Veterans,\u201d said Dr. Chikezie Okeagu. \u201cNeuromodulation techniques are becoming an essential part of chronic pain treatment and it\u2019s exciting that we can now offer these therapies here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leads and battery were connected and incisions closed<\/h2>\n
\n
<\/a>
Left to right are Drs. Yusef Sayeed, Michael Getter, Chikezie Okeagu and diagnostic radiologic technician Antonio Capers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cThe process is relatively straightforward,\u201d explained Dr. Paul Getter. \u201cThe technology is self-contained, requires minimal maintenance beyond occasional recharging and has a battery lifespan of seven to ten years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Spinal cord stimulation helps manage chronic pain by disrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. It is effective for conditions like diabetic neuropathy, failed back surgeries and other severe pain issues.<\/p>\n

\u201cChronic pain can be debilitating,\u201d said Okeagu. \u201cThis device offers a chance for patients to regain an active fulfilling lifestyle without relying on narcotic medications.\u201d<\/p>\n

The procedure\u2019s success was the result of seamless teamwork among the surgeons, nurses and operating room staff. Okeagu praised the collaboration. \u201cEach team member brought their unique expertise ensuring the best possible outcome for the patient.\u201d<\/p>\n

This achievement also opens the door for more advanced procedures at Dorn VA. The facility plans to offer spinal cord stimulation to more Veterans who meet the criteria, starting with the required trial phase. Additionally, preparations are underway to provide spine surgeries in the future that will address a range of back-related conditions.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re constantly working to bring the latest and best treatments to our Veterans and improve their quality of life,\u201d said Getter.<\/p>\n

This milestone reflects Columbia VA\u2019s commitment to delivering innovative and effective care to those who have served.<\/p>\n

\n

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs<\/a>. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Spinal cord stimulation implantation helps Veterans suffering from chronic pain improve their quality of life without narcotics.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":311,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7972","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-u-s-veterans-news"],"yoast_head":"\nColumbia VA performs first spinal cord stimulation implantation - Its Veterans<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Spinal cord stimulation implantation helps Veterans suffering from chronic pain improve their quality of life without narcotics.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7972\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Columbia VA performs first spinal cord stimulation implantation - 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