Novel Stimulation Patterns to Improve the Effectiveness of Spinal Cord Stimulation
Launched by ASHWIN VISWANATHAN · Jul 27, 2023
Trial Information
Current as of July 25, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is looking at a new way to use spinal cord stimulation (SCS) to help people with chronic pain. The researchers want to see if different patterns of stimulation can provide better pain relief compared to the standard methods currently used. If you have been living with chronic pain in your back or limbs for at least six months and have tried multiple treatments without success, you might be eligible to participate in this study. Participants should be at least 22 years old and have a specific level of pain severity.
If you join the trial, you can expect to receive spinal cord stimulation and help researchers understand how effective the new stimulation patterns are. It’s important to note that you will need to meet certain health criteria, such as being in stable condition without recent surgeries and not currently being treated for cancer. You’ll also need to agree not to change your pain medications during the study. Overall, this trial aims to explore new options for improving pain management, and researchers hope that it can lead to better outcomes for people living with chronic pain.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • Ability to provide informed consent
- • Age ≥ 22
- • Chronic pain of the trunk and/or limbs for at least 6 months
- • Baseline average daily overall pain score of \>60 (on a scale of 0-100mm) on the Visual Analog Scale related to pain of the back and/or limbs
- • Failed ≥3 medically supervised treatments (i.e. pain medications, physical therapy, facet joint/medial branch nerve blocks, acupuncture), and treatment with \>2 classes of medications
- • Stable pain-related medication regimen 4 weeks prior to the trial. Patients will be asked to not increase or add pain-related medication during the study period
- • No back surgery within 6 months prior to Screening
- • Consumed an average total daily morphine equivalent of ≤200 mg during the 30 days prior to Screening.
- • Baseline Oswestry Disability Index score ≥40 and ≤80
- • Eligible candidate for SCS from a psychological and psychiatric standpoint as determined within 180 days prior to Baseline Visit, per site's routine screening process
- • Able to independently read and complete all questionnaires and assessments provided in English
- • Female candidates of child-bearing potential agree to use contraception during the study period
- • Deemed to be a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation by the PI, and a board certified pain management physician
- • Willing to cooperate with study requirements
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • Patient exhibits catastrophization based on physician evaluation (e.g., average overall daily pain intensity of 100 on a 0-100mm visual analog scale, every day during the 7 days prior to Screening, based on patient recall
- • Pain originating from peripheral vascular disease
- • Active treatment for cancer in past 6 months
- • Involved in disability litigation
- • High surgical risk including documented history of allergic response to titanium or silicone, current systemic infection, or local infection in close proximity to anticipated surgical field
- • Body mass index ≥ 45 at Screening
- • Terminal illness with anticipated survival \< 12 months
- • Participant is immunocompromised
- • Significant cognitive impairment at Screening that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would reasonably be expected to impair the study candidate's ability to participate in the study
- • Participating (or intends to participate) in another drug or device clinical trial that may influence the data that will be collected for this study
- • Previous spinal cord stimulation trial/implant or is already implanted with an active implantable device(s) (e.g. drug pump, implantable pulse generator)
- • A pregnant female or a female of childbearing potential planning to get pregnant during the course of the study
- • Plan to receive any massage or manipulation directly over the leads or by the anticipated location of the IPG or treatments that involve sudden jerking motions of the torso at any
- • Existing medical condition that is likely to require the use of diathermy
- • Any injury or medical/psychological condition that might be significantly exacerbated by the implant surgery or the presence of an implantable stimulator or otherwise compromise subject safety
- • Unable to operate the study devices including wrist-worn biosensor and mobile app
- • Documented history of substance abuse or dependency in the 6 months prior to baseline
About Ashwin Viswanathan
Ashwin Viswanathan is a dedicated clinical trial sponsor committed to advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes. With a focus on innovative therapeutic solutions, Ashwin leads initiatives that prioritize ethical standards and regulatory compliance throughout the clinical trial process. By fostering collaboration among researchers, healthcare professionals, and regulatory bodies, he aims to streamline the development of new treatments and enhance the efficiency of clinical trials. His extensive experience in the field underscores a commitment to scientific rigor and patient safety, making him a valuable partner in the pursuit of groundbreaking medical advancements.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Houston, Texas, United States
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Ashwin Viswanathan, MD
Principal Investigator
Baylor College of Medicine
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported