Spinal cord stimulation for refractory angina in patients implanted with cardioverter defibrillators: five case reports.

Patients implanted with a cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) who are suffering from refractory angina pectoris could benefit from spinal cord stimulation (SCS) due to the well-documented pain relieving effect. However, the combined treatment remains controversial. The aim of the study is to report successful long-term treatment with SCS in five patients implanted with cardioverter defibrillators. The combined treatments with ICD and thoracic epidural electrical stimulation were used in five patients with refractory angina pectoris. During the procedure of the implantation, testing with the maximal tolerable level of stimulation was carried out to exclude inference with the ICD. The following treatment with SCS has in all cases been successful, with significant pain relief and improved quality of life. There were no incidences of inappropriate defibrillator shocks. Spinal cord stimulation for refractory angina pectoris can be performed in patients implanted with cardioverter defibrillators without interference. However, individual testing during implantation or re-programming the devices is mandatory in order to assess optimal safety in each patient.