Minimally invasive implantation of epidural spinal cord neurostimulator electrodes by using a tubular retractor system. Technical note.

The authors describe a novel technique for the implantation of multipolar epidural spinal cord neurostimulator electrodes with the aid of a tubular retractor system. Spinal cord neurostimulation is used as a neuroaugmentive tool for treating chronic intractable pain syndromes. Minimally invasive placement of the multipolar neurostimulator electrodes may allow for shorter hospital stays and less postoperative pain associated with the incision.