Spinal cord stimulation in a patient with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for managing chronic chest pain: a case report and literature review

The simultaneous use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is safe and effective in selected patients with refractory chest pain. Our case highlights successful pain management with SCS without compromising ICD function. Careful patient selection, low device settings, and ongoing monitoring are crucial for achieving optimal outcomes. <b>What is this article about?</b> Spinal cord stimulators are used to treat pain that won’t go away. However, some patients also have implantable electronic devices, which makes them worry that the two devices may not work well together. This article describes a case in which both devices were used and presents a literature review regarding the possible interactions between these two devices. <b>What were the results?</b> Spinal cord stimulation is a safe and efficient treatment for persistent refractory pain in patients using implantable cardiac electronic devices. <b>What do the results means?</b> These results suggest that spinal cord stimulation is a safe and effective treatment for chronic refractory pain in patients using cardiac implantable electronic devices.