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Step 6) The surgeon makes a small incision in order to place the generator.Step 5) If the electrodes have been placed to account for all painful areas, then the leads will be fixed in place and the patient is sedated once again.This step can’t be completed unless the patient is conscious. Step 4) The patient is then woken up in order to ensure that the electrical contacts have been placed properly.If the patient underwent a trial period with the spinal cord stimulator, then this step will not be necessary. Step 3) The neurosurgeon implants the leads.Also, surgeons may need to remove a small section of bone (part of the lamina) that covers the spinal cord in order to properly place the leads.Please note the surgeon may need to make a small incision in order to insert the needle properly.Each lead has small electrical contacts attached to it. Thin, insulated wires known as leads are fed through the needle. A fluoroscopy (form of X-ray) must be taken beforehand in order to guide the insertion of the needle. Step 2) The neurosurgeon then inserts a hollow needle into the epidural space (this is the area surrounding the spinal canal.The next step of the procedure does not begin until after the patient has been sedated. Step 1) The injection site is identified and local anesthesia is applied to the area.While the technology fueling this incredible form of pain-relief is always evolving, this procedure is quite straightforward. Why Choose Florida Surgery Consultants?ĭuring this interventional procedure, a neurosurgeon will be implanting the spinal cord stimulator in the patient’s back.What to Expect at Your Spinal Surgery Consultation?.Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD).