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Spinal Cord Stimulator Battery Implant Infection

Spinal cord stimulators, used to minimize chronic back pain with low-level electrical current applied directly to the spinal cord, are implanted in the muscle tissue of the back. The device is about the same size as a standard pacemaker and can have an internal long-life battery or hook up to an external power source. There is a low risk of infection, but it can occur.

  1. The Procedure

    • Spinal cord stimulator surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. A small incision is made in the back and the device is placed just below the skin near the spinal cord. Wires from the device are guided to a position on the vertebra where the pain is localized.

      Spinal cord stimulator devices that use an integrated battery usually last two to five years. Newer rechargeable batteries can last up to nine years without replacement. When the batteries wear out, the patient must undergo another surgical procedure to replace them.

    Seroma

    • The incision, the bone, the spinal cord or the area around the device and its battery can become infected, but infection is not common. When the area around the implant fills with fluid, the condition is called seroma. If this happens, the surgeon must go in and drain the fluids. If the seroma becomes infected around the device and the battery, it will have to be surgically extracted.

    After Surgery

    • Some swelling and bruising is expected following surgery. It is important to keep pressure off the area, to keep the dressings clean and dry and to follow the instructions issued by the surgeon. Showering is allowed, but baths and any other activity that immerses the area in water is not allowed until the incision is fully healed, at least four weeks. Loose, comfortable clothing is advised for good air circulation to help speed healing.

      Unless your doctor specifically instructs the use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, Advil (ibuprophen) or Aleve (naproxen sodium), do not assume they are safe and take them.

    Signs of Infection

    • Pain and tenderness in the incision area should be reported to your doctor. Check the area frequently for discoloration of the skin around the wound, an unexpected amount of swelling, separation or gaping of the wound or fluids draining out of the incision. Temperature should be monitored carefully, since elevated body temperature is common when the body is fighting an infection.

    Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant

    • Not everyone is a good candidate for this surgery, it's something you must discuss with your doctor or surgeon. Fortunately, they have a method of testing the device for effectiveness before it is implanted. The surgeon can run the wires only into the spine and use an external device to deliver the current for a few weeks in advance of the surgery to ensure that the patient responds and the surgery will be effective. Patients who have the implant surgery report an average of 50 percent to 60 percent reduction in chronic back pain.

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