Background: Most pain management techniques for challenging procedures are still performed under the guidance of the C-arm fluoroscope although it is sometimes difficult for even experienced clinicians to understand the modified threedimensional anatomy as a two-dimensional X-ray image. To overcome these difficulties, the development of a virtual simulator may be helpful. Therefore, in this study, the authors developed a virtual simulator and presented its clinical application cases. Methods: We developed a computer program to simulate the actual environment of the procedure. Computed tomography (CT) Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data were used for the simulations. Virtual needle placement was simulated at the most appropriate position for a successful block. Using a virtual C-arm, the authors searched for the position of the C-arm at which the needle was visualized as a point. The positional relationships between the anatomy of the patient and the needle were identified. Results: For the simulations, the CT DICOM data of patients who visited the outpatient clinic was used. When the patients revisited the clinic, images similar to the simulated images were obtained by manipulating the C-arm. Transforaminal epidural injection, which was difficult to perform due to severe spinal deformity, and the challenging procedures of the superior hypogastric plexus block and Gasserian ganglion block, were successfully performed with the help of the simulation. Conclusions We created a pre-procedural virtual simulation and demonstrated its successful application in patients who are expected to undergo challenging procedures.

Background: Refractory angina pectoris (RAP) is a chronic, severe chest pain associated with coronary artery disease that cannot be resolved using optimal medical or surgical approaches. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a suitable treatment option. Conventional waveforms of SCS have shown a potent effect on the tempering of RAP. However, SCS is associated with undesired paresthesia. The new burst SCS waveforms have been reported to have fewer adverse effects.Case: We reviewed a case in which RAP was successfully treated with burst SCS in a middle-aged male, with a tonic waveform employed for breakthrough pain as needed. Conclusions Appropriate use of tonic and burst stimulations according to the symptoms is expected to maximize the effect of relieving chest pain induced by RAP.