Burst stimulation for refractory angina pectoris - A case report.

Background: Refractory angina pectoris (RAP) is a chronic, severe chest pain associated with coronary artery disease that cannot be resolved using optimal medical or surgical approaches. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a suitable treatment option. Conventional waveforms of SCS have shown a potent effect on the tempering of RAP. However, SCS is associated with undesired paresthesia. The new burst SCS waveforms have been reported to have fewer adverse effects.

Case: We reviewed a case in which RAP was successfully treated with burst SCS in a middle-aged male, with a tonic waveform employed for breakthrough pain as needed.

Conclusions: Appropriate use of tonic and burst stimulations according to the symptoms is expected to maximize the effect of relieving chest pain induced by RAP.