Journal club: Innovations and insights in Neuromodulation

Spine & Nerve

Episode Summary:Join Dr. Jason Kung and Dr. Brian Joves for an in-depth discussion on the latest in neuromodulation. This episode covers a range of topics from the North American Neuromodulation Society 2024 Annual Meeting highlights to a journal club traversing the topics of spinal cord stimulation, closed-loop technology, and the impact of paraspinal muscle atrophy on vertebral endplates. With a blend of expert insights and a review of recent studies, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the advancements and challenges within the field of neuromodulation. Key Points Discussed: North American Neuromodulation Society Meeting Recap: Dr. Kung shares his experiences and key takeaways from the event, highlighting the growing interest in SI joint fusion and the lack of major announcements in neuromodulation waveforms. MRI Compatibility in Neuromodulation Devices: The hosts delve into the importance of MRI compatibility, discussing the implications for patient care and device selection. The Evoke Study and Closed-Loop Stimulation: An in-depth review of the 36-month data from the Evoke trial, which compares closed-loop spinal cord stimulation to traditional open-loop systems. The study's findings on pain relief and the potential for closed-loop technology to revolutionize patient outcomes are explored. Paraspinal Muscle Atrophy and Spinal Health: A discussion on a recent study examining the association between paraspinal muscle atrophy and vertebral endplate degeneration, underscoring the importance of physical therapy and core strength in pain management. Notable Quotes:" The development of the space is not just about this waveform versus that waveform, but understanding that there are many factors that play into patient success." - Dr. Brian Joves "With ECAPs, we're moving towards a two-way feedback system in spinal cord stimulation, akin to how a pacemaker works." - Dr. Jason Kung Closing Thoughts:The episode wraps up with reflections on the potential of neuromodulation technologies and the importance of continued innovation to improve patient care. The hosts also express interest in seeing how closed-loop stimulation and other advancements will perform in real-world settings. Connect with Us: Find Dr. Jason Kung or Dr. Brian Joves on LinkedIn Connect with the podcast on YouTube, IG and Facebook @ SpineNerve Be sure to share, like and subscribe! Upcoming Episodes:Stay tuned for future discussions on groundbreaking studies in pain management and neuromodulation, along with guest appearances from leaders in the field. References: Mullins CF, Harris S, Pang D. A retrospective review of elevated lead impedances in impedance-dependent magnetic resonance-conditional spinal cord stimulation devices. Pain Pract. 2024; 24: 270–277. https://doi.org/10.1111/papr.13301. Mekhail NA, Levy RM, Deer TR, et al ECAP-controlled closed-loop versus open-loop SCS for the treatment of chronic pain: 36-month results of the EVOKE blinded randomized clinical trial Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine Published Online First: 27 August 2023. doi: 10.1136/rapm-2023-104751 Schönnagel, Lukas et al. Understanding the Interplay Between Paraspinal Muscle Atrophy and Lumbar Endplate Degeneration: A 3-Year Longitudinal Study. Spine 48(23):p 1627-1634, December 1, 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000004826 Pritzlaff et al. A Review of the Factors and Outcomes of Institutional Interdisciplinary Neuromodulation Committees: A Multicenter Experience. Neuromodulation. February 06, 2024 Disclaimer: Reminder that the information provided is for educational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.