Case Study: Lahey Clinic improves spinal cord stimulation targeting with COMSOL Multiphysics

Lahey Clinic models scar effects in spinal cord stimulation with Comsol

The Neuromodulation Group at Lahey Clinic faced a challenge with spinal cord stimulation therapy, where scar tissue formation around implanted electrodes altered electrical fields over time. This forced clinicians to use lengthy trial-and-error reprogramming to maintain pain relief for patients. To solve this, they worked with Comsol, utilizing the COMSOL Multiphysics® software linked to their existing SolidWorks model via LiveLink™.

Comsol's solution enabled the team to simulate how scar tissue distorts electrical fields around the electrodes. This allowed doctors to accurately model the patient-specific scar effects and optimally adjust the electrode settings. As a result, pain could be alleviated immediately without the protracted reprogramming process, significantly improving the treatment's efficiency and patient outcomes.

Lahey Clinic