Realistic Anatomically Detailed Open-Source Spinal Cord Stimulation (RADO-SCS) Model

Abstract

ObjectiveComputational current flow models of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) are widely used in device development, clinical trial design, and patient programming. Proprietary models of varied sophistication have been developed. An open-source model with state-of-the-art precision would serve as a standard for SCS simulation. ApproachWe developed a sophisticated SCS modeling platform, named Realistic Anatomically Detailed Open-Source Spinal Cord Stimulation (RADO-SCS) model. This platform consists of realistic and detailed spinal cord and ancillary tissues anatomy derived based on prior imaging and cadaveric studies. Represented tissues within the T9-T11 spine levels include vertebrae, intravertebral discs, epidural space, dura, CSF, white-matter, gray-matter, dorsal and ventral roots and rootlets, dorsal root ganglion, sympathetic chain, thoracic aorta, epidural space vasculature, white-matter vasculature, and thorax. As an exemplary, a bipolar SCS montage was simulated to illustrate the model workflow from the electric field calculated from a finite element model (FEM) to activation thresholds predicted for individual axons populating the spinal cord. Main ResultsCompared to prior models, RADO-SCS meets or exceeds detail for every tissue compartment. The resulting electric fields in white and gray-matter, and axon model activation thresholds are broadly consistent with prior stimulations. SignificanceThe RADO-SCS can be used to simulate any SCS approach with both unprecedented resolution (precision) and transparency (reproducibility). Freely available online, the RADO-SCS will be updated continuously with version control.