Spinal cord stimulation in severe angina pectoris.

Since 1985, 225 patients suffering from severe pectoris due to New York Heart Association classes III-IV have been treated with spinal cord stimulation (SCS). All patients have been considered not suitable for open heart surgery by technical reasons. The long-term follow-up has shown a very good positive response to stimulation with pain relief, less intake of medication and increased quality of life. Several invasive studies with catheters in the coronary sinus and peripheral arteries have shown a significant improvement with stimulation regarding heart muscle lactate metabolism, blood flow in the coronary sinus and oxygen demand. Recordings with the so-called Holter technique have demonstrated that SCS does not create arrhythmias, and pacing studies that SCS does not mask ischemia at extreme workload. In conclusion, apart from the positive effect on the quality of life, SCS in angina pectoris has demonstrated antianginal and anti-ischemic effects. The clinical results and the physiological and hemodynamic measurements will be presented in detail.