Novel electrode design reduces sensory threshold current drift during peripheral nerve evaluation in patients considered for sacral nerve stimulation

Objective: To retrospectively compare the efficacy and technical performance of a novel lead used for percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE) during the testing phase for sacral nerve neuromodulation with the existing lead currently used. Materials and methods: Sixty-three PNE leads were inserted in 45 consecutive patients who underwent PNE with the novel helical electrodes, and the intra-operative and return clinic sensory threshold currents were recorded. This resulted in current measurements for 63 individual electrodes. Measurements were compared with 46 consecutive patients who previously underwent PNE using the standard lead with measurements for 63 individual electrodes. Current difference distributions for the two leads were compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: There was a statistically significant difference observed between the two types of PNE electrode. The new PNE lead demonstrated less drift in sensory threshold current during a 12-day test period in comparison to the old lead. Conclusion: The novel helical PNE electrodes demonstrate a significant improvement in current drift compared with the old style leads over a 12-day test period. Level of evidence: Level III