Hagedorn, Jonathan M

Abstract IntroductionRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) are 2 common modalities used in management of various pain conditions. RFA generates heat and an electromagnetic field that can theoretically interfere with the functionality and longevity of the SCS device. This is problematic for patients who need RFA and have previously undergone implantation of an SCS device.Case DescriptionWe present a case highlighting the safe use of bipolar RFA in a patient who had previously undergone implantation of a cervical SCS device.DiscussionWe also present device‐specific industry guidelines and recommendations for performing RFA in patients following SCS device implantation.

Objective Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an evidence-based therapy for the treatment of refractory pain. Current American College of Graduate Medical Education requirements for pain medicine fellowship graduation include observation of five neuromodulation cases. Matriculating fellows have varying degrees of technical skill, training, and experience. The purpose of this study was to use an innovative skill-based assessment tool using the validated Zwisch scale to evaluate fellow surgical performance during SCS cases. Design Cross-sectional survey Setting Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Subjects Consultant faculty (10) in the Division of Pain Medicine and pain medicine fellows (5). Methods A list of faculty-driven neuromodulation surgical objectives was formed and a rubric was created that focused on technical approach, imaging, epidural access and wound closure. Consultants who perform surgical cases were instructed to use the Zwisch scale as a guide to evaluate fellow surgical performance during a neuromodulation case. Faculty and fellows were surveyed before and after implementation of the tool to determine their satisfaction with use of the skill assessment tool. Results The consultants reported they were more satisfied, consistent, and efficient with feedback provided to the trainee on every aspect of neuromodulation surgical cases. The improvement was most significant during the fellows’ intraoperative skill assessment. The fellows indicated increased satisfaction, improved communication, and increased efficiency of feedback when the tool was utilized. The fellows reported greater intraoperative skill assessment and consistency of feedback provided. Conclusions The diverse nature of primary specialty backgrounds observed in pain medicine fellowship training offers a unique opportunity to assess and improve fellow skill and surgical competence in the field of neuromodulation. Both faculty and fellows reported improved satisfaction, consistency and efficiency with feedback provided. Importantly, this pilot project observed that implementation of a skill assessment tool was beneficial for both the faculty and fellow as the feedback received was viewed as strongly beneficial to the educational experience.