Spinal cord stimulation for refractory chronic angina pectoris: influence on quality of life

Abstract

Percutaneous coronary revascularization, coronary artery bypass graft surgery and medical management are nowadays very effective in treating coronary artery disease. Nevertheless, the number of patients affected by refractory chronic angina pectoris is increasing. Epidemiological estimates for refractory angina pectoris predict the diagnosis of more than 100,000 patients each year in the USA and approximately 50,000 in Europe. Spinal cord stimulation is a valuable therapeutic option for patients who have failed multiple percutaneous and surgical revascularizations and who are not eligible for further revascularization procedures. The aim of this study is to assess the benefits, in terms of quality of life, of spinal cord stimulation in no-option patients affected by refractory angina pectoris.

Keywords::

• quality of life
• refractory chronic angina
• spinal cord
• Spitzer index

Acknowledgements

We thank Eng. Alida Boi for statistical analysis support on this work.

Financial disclosure

The authors have no relevant financial interests, including employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties related to this manuscript.