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What Is Angina?
What is Chronic Unstable Angina?
How Do You Know If You Have Chronic Unstable Angina?
Treatment
What If Treatments Don't Work?
How does it work?
Does It Work?
Will spinal cord stimulation mask warning signals of a heart attack?
Is this right for me?
Directions to our offices
Your first appointment
Will I need surgery?
Preparing for your surgery

Your First Appointment

During your first appointment you will meet your physician in a one-hour consultation. You will review your angina problem, medical history, surgical history, allergies, and medications. Then you will undergo a brief examination.

It is most helpful if you bring any written reports from your physician(s) if you have them; although, do not worry if you don't have them.

For the remainder of your first visit, you will have a discussion of your treatment options, including spinal cord stimulation. Patients who are candidates for this procedure will have a discussion of the risks, benefits, and alternatives. You will receive some written literature and video detailing the procedure of spinal cord stimulation.

A decision to proceed with spinal cord stimulation is almost never made during the first visit. Dr. Winfree feels it is best for patients to carefully consider their treatment options prior to making any important decisions. These things are best not rushed.


Columbia University | Columbia University Medical Center | Department of Neurosurgery