Temporary Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation

The temporary implantation of the spinal cord stimulator was performed under fluoroscopic guidance with local anesthesia (Dong et al., 2017 ). The targeted spinal level of implantation was evaluated preoperatively according to the dermatomes of the HZ lesion. The patient was placed prone, and the paramedial approach was used to insert the Tuohy needle into the epidural space (Dong et al., 2017 ). The needle stylet was removed, and an eight-contact stimulation lead (model 3873; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, United States) was inserted through the Tuohy needle and advanced toward the targeted spinal segment under fluoroscopic imaging (Figures 1B,C). A test of the stimulation was required during implantation to ensure optimal coverage of the painful dermatomes. We only enrolled patients in the study who had only one electrode implanted. To avoid the potential migration of electrodes, patients were required to stay in bed for 48 h after surgery.