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The Forgotten Corridors: Rediscovering Neuromodulation Pathways from Gutter Stimulation to Ventral Cord Stimulation

Details

Date
Saturday, January 23, 2027
Time
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Session type
Concurrent Session
Track
Neural Engineering
Schedule
See this day

About

Neuromodulation has traditionally focused on stimulation of the dorsal columns, yet chronic pain processing involves multiple spinal cord circuits. Growing interest is emerging in previously overlooked anatomical corridors, including the dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) and the lateral spinal cord "gutter," where primary afferent fibers enter the spinal cord and interact with dorsal horn networks. These regions may represent precision targets for modulating segmental nociceptive processing. Similarly, ventral and ventrolateral spinal cord regions, historically avoided due to motor activation, may provide opportunities for intentional engagement of descending modulatory and propriospinal circuits. With advances in lead design and programming, these areas can now be explored more safely and selectively.

Presenters

  • Lawrence Poree, MD PhD MPH

    Lawrence Poree, MD PhD MPH

    Professor, Director of Neuromodulation, Center for Pain Medicine

    University of California at San Francisco · San Francisco, California

    Dr. Poree holds the position of Clinical Professor at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) and serves as the director of the Neuromodulation services in the Department of Anesthesia. He is co-founder of the NANS Diversity and Outreach Committee and current president of the Institute of Neuromodulation, the NANS research subsidiary. He also currently serves as the secretary for the International Neuromodulation society. He was the medical director for the Pain Clinic of Monterey Bay for 15 years prior to joining the facutly at UCSF 10 years ago.

  • Lawrence Poree, MD PhD MPH

    Lawrence Poree, MD PhD MPH

    Professor, Director of Neuromodulation, Center for Pain Medicine

    University of California at San Francisco · San Francisco, California

    Dr. Poree holds the position of Clinical Professor at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) and serves as the director of the Neuromodulation services in the Department of Anesthesia. He is co-founder of the NANS Diversity and Outreach Committee and current president of the Institute of Neuromodulation, the NANS research subsidiary. He also currently serves as the secretary for the International Neuromodulation society. He was the medical director for the Pain Clinic of Monterey Bay for 15 years prior to joining the facutly at UCSF 10 years ago.

  • Hesham Elsharkawy, MD, MBA

    Hesham Elsharkawy, MD, MBA

    Professor

    MetroHealth · Cleveland, Ohio

    Hesham Elsharkawy, MD, MBA, MSc, FASA, is a staff member at MetroHealth and a professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Elsharkawy's research focuses on developing new technologies, ultrasound pain procedures, peripheral neuromodulation, and the transition from acute to chronic pain. This interest led him to establish the Persistent Postoperative Pain Special Interest Group. Dr. Elsharkawy has extensive research experience and has made significant contributions to the fields of pain and regional anesthesia. He has been invited to lecture and present at numerous national and international conferences and grand rounds. Dr. Elsharkawy is double fellowship-trained in acute and chronic pain. Actively involved in multiple research projects and multicenter studies, Dr. Elsharkawy has received several grants to support his work. He earned an MBA degree and holds numerous leadership positions. He is currently the Vice Chair of Research, Director of Research Fellowship, and the Director of Transitional Pain Service.

Presentations