The complete relief of chronic pain utilizing electromagnetic theory: A retrospective observational cohort study.

We have developed a strategy that has reliably and reproducibly delivered long-term pain-free outcomes to chronic pain patients. This strategy incorporates electromagnetic theory into the use of neuromodulation. We have analyzed the clinical outcome data for 231 of our implanted patients to determine if there is a significant association between the use of our mathematical framework for placing the neuromodulation unit's electrode array and the state of "pain-free" (PF).

An in silico analysis of neuromodulation for pain relief: Determining the role of classical electrodynamics.

There has been ongoing debate about the efficacy and mechanism of action of neuromodulation devices in pain relief applications. It has recently been suggested that both issues may be resolved if electromagnetic theory is incorporated into the understanding and application of this technology, and we therefore undertook an in silico analysis to further explore this idea. We created a CAD replication of a standard neuromodulation electrode array with a generic linear 3/6 mm 8-contact lead, developed a parameterized algorithmic model for the pulse delivered by the device and assigned material properties to biologic media to accurately reflect their electromagnetic properties.

On the Origin of Pain - the 'Pain Channel' Hypothesis.

Theories of pain have traditionally attributed the sensory experience of pain to the brain. We present here a new hypothesis on the origin of pain which is based on a novel approach to the management of persistent pain. We call it the 'pain channel' hypothesis of the origin of pain.

Successful peripheral neuromodulation for phantom limb pain.

Setting: For decades, the heterogeneity of the amputee population and the complex interaction of biopsychosocial factors have confounded researchers' attempts to develop an effective treatment for phantom limb pain. Therefore, it remains difficult to treat, and affected patients often experience decreased quality of life, increased psychological distress, and poorer health outcomes.

Patient: In the case study, we report a novel strategy for the peripheral placement of neuromodulation leads for the treatment of phantom limb pain in a patient who subsequently described complete and consistent pain relief independent of significant variations in psychosocial stress.

The "axillary tunnel": an anatomic reappraisal of the limits and dynamics of spread during brachial plexus blockade.

Background: Various anatomic factors have been described as affecting the distribution of a solution injected around the brachial plexus. Using computerized axial tomography dye studies, we introduce a new concept.

Methods: Ten patients with brachial plexus catheters sited using the bent needle supraclavicular technique were studied.

Rectus sheath catheters for continuous analgesia after upper abdominal surgery.

The segmental nerves T6-T11 pass through and innervate the rectus abdominis muscle and overlying skin. The arcuate lines compartmentalize the rectus, but they are deficient posteriorly and hence a catheter tunnelled into the posterior sheath can be used to achieve an effective continuous analgesic block. Volume is important to fill the compartment.

The sheath of the brachial plexus: fact or fiction?

Background: The concept of the axillary "sheath" has been a central tenet of brachial plexus regional anesthesia for many years. Recent investigations have cast doubt on its nature and existence. This study further examines the issue.

A magnetic resonance imaging analysis of the infraclavicular region: can brachial plexus depth be estimated before needle insertion?

In this study we examined the anatomy of the infraclavicular region to assess the possibility of estimating brachial plexus depth before performing an infraclavicular block, by using readily identifiable landmarks such as the coracoid process (CP) and the clavicle (CL). Four parasagittal planes across the infraclavicular region were analyzed in 21 individual series of magnetic resonance imaging studies. Measurements included distance to the plexus from the skin of the anterior chest wall, position of the plexus relative to the CL, and clavicular width.