TerminatedNot Applicable

Burst Spinal Cord Stimulation (Burst-SCS) Study

Stopped: The study was terminated early due to data quality concerns and protocol integrity issues involving inadequate sham stimulation parameters and compromised participant blinding.

United States12 participantsStarted 2019-03-12

Plain-language summary

Recently a new form of spinal cord stimulation therapy called burst spinal cord stimulation (Burst-SCS) is available to treat chronic pain. The goal of this study is to learn more about how Burst-SCS works to reduce chronic pain. The study will examine chronic pain patients who have been deemed candidates for Burst-SCS therapy, and who have already been selected to receive a temporary externalized trial of Burst-SCS from their own doctors as part of their standard clinical care for chronic pain management. During the study, participants will be asked to complete a variety of evaluations at certain time points. In addition, there will be a randomized, double blind, crossover phase, where the particular effects of Burst-SCS and sham SCS will be evaluated. The device used to deliver Burst-SCS and sham SCS is the St. Jude Medical Invisible Trial System.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Men or women with chronic, intractable pain of the trunk and/or limbs, including unilateral or bilateral pain associated with any of the following: failed back surgery syndrome and intractable low back and leg pain, and for whom Burst-SCS has been recommended as a treatment option * Candidates who can speak, read, and understand English Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects who are pregnant- as determined by verbal report or chart review * Subjects with current, habitual, or previous use within the last 12 months of artificial nails, nail enhancements, or nail extensions that cover any portion of either thumbnail. Exceptions, including brief and/or occasional use, may be permissible at the discretion of the principal investigator * Subjects who are unable or unwilling to cooperate with clinical testing * Subjects having any impairment, activity or situation that, in the judgement of the study coordinator or PI, would prevent satisfactory completion of the study protocol

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Score

Timeframe: Up to one month following the pre-implant visit.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03718325

SponsorUniversity of Michigan

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2020-03-10

Results submitted2025-08-29

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Pain, Chronic trials