Technology for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) has been in use for over 50 years to treat patients suffering from chronic pain who have failed conservative treatments. Despite this long history, the devices being used have changed very little. In fact, current PNS technology was developed specifically for spinal cord stimulation. The use of technology developed for other applications in PNS has led to an unnecessary number of device complications and the limited adoption of this promising therapy. The following chapter provides an overview of PNS technology throughout the years, outlining both the benefits and limitations. We will briefly explore the electrophysiology of PNS stimulation, with an emphasis on technology and indication-specific devices. Finally, design and technical requirements of an ideal PNS device will be discussed.