A spinal cord stimulator is used to treat patients who have failed conservative treatment for severe low back pain, status post laminectomy, phantom limb, CRPS, post herpetic neuralgia and interstitial cystitis. In Europe, the biggest uses are peripheral vascular disease and angina refractory to medical and surgical management. Locally, a diabetic at the point of having a BKA is now playing golf and did not lose his leg as a result of increased blood flow in the leg secondary to the sympathectomy performed by the stimulator. An array of electrodes in a tiny catheter-like tube is implanted into the epidural space on the back of the spinal cord. A trial placement using unilateral or bilateral leads is done first for a period of one week. If significant relief is obtained, the stimulator is then implanted permanently at a later time.