Wearable Spinal Cord Stimulator: Transcutaneous Delivery of Electrical Impulses for Chronic Lower Back Pain
Abstract/Summary
The purpose of this project was to create a wearable spinal cord stimulator capable of delivering transcutaneous electrical stimulation for the treatment of chronic lower back pain. Chronic lower back pain impacts a large percentage of the population, and current treatment options require either invasive surgery or management through pain medication. Therefore, there is a need for a treatment option that is non-invasive, convenient, and does not require medication. To meet these needs, a wearable device was created that consists of internal circuitry contained within external housing that allows for the delivery of user-controlled stimulation via electrodes that are plugged into the housing and placed on the skin of the spinal cord and hip. This document summarizes the key background research, sponsor requirements, models, manufacturing plans, test plans, test results, and conclusions that contributed to the making of this project. Guidance for the specifications of this project was provided by our sponsors, Dr. Anastasia Keller and Dr. Jeannie Bailey, from UCSF.