Frequently Asked Questions — Spring/Summer 2006
As an ongoing resource for you, Medtronic is happy to answer questions about your Medtronic Pain Therapy. Below we’ve included some frequently asked questions with corresponding answers from our Medtronic Patient Services team.
Neurostimulation Questions
Q: What is the difference between the Restore® and RESTOREPRIME™ Neurostimulation Systems?
A: Both systems offer the same coverage, stimulation and advanced therapy options. The Restore Neurostimulator is rechargeable, which means that you must recharge the neurostimulator. Recharging is easy, safe and it means the battery may last longer. The Restore Neurostimulator benefits patients who have high energy requirements for stimulation. The RESTOREPRIME Neurostimulator is not rechargeable and benefits patients with low to moderate energy requirements for stimulation.
Q: What is the expected battery longevity of the RESTOREPRIME Non-Rechargeable Neurostimulator?
A: The RESTOREPRIME Neurostimulator is for patients with low to moderate energy requirements for stimulation. Battery longevity is dependent on programming and use of the battery. As with any battery, the more energy used, the shorter the battery longevity will be. The neurostimulator will need to be replaced when the battery is depleted. Your doctor will help you understand how often the battery may be depleted.
Q: What are a “program” and a “group” for the Restore and RESTOREPRIME Neurostimulation Systems?
A: A program delivers electrical impulses to a specified pain site. Programs are combined into groups to provide stimulation to one or more pain areas. Each group is created for particular activities, pain areas, symptoms or time of day to meet your specific needs.
Q: What types of activities can damage or move my lead(s)?
A: The lead is made of flexible and durable materials; however, it is still subject to wear. Repetitive movements may cause damage over time, eventually causing the lead to break or fracture. Excessive and/or repetitive bending, twisting, bouncing, or stretching can move or break the lead. A few examples of summer activities to approach with caution include: swimming, horseback riding, amusement park rides, tennis and running.
As a general rule, you should know where your lead and neurostimulator are placed. Keep in mind which movements may put strain on the lead or on the stitches that hold the neurostimulator in place. Activities that can damage the implant site or any of the implanted components should be avoided. If damage does occur, additional surgery or replacement may be required. Always discuss these activities with your physician.
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Please contact your doctor with medical related questions regarding your device. You may also contact Medtronic Patient Services with device related questions at 1-800-510-6735 during the business hours of Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Central Standard Time. |
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Drug Delivery Questions
Q: I have a SynchroMed® II pump and tried to use my Personal Therapy Manager (PTM) to activate a dose per my physician’s instruction. However, the PTM is telling me that I can’t activate a dose. What is wrong?
A: The Personal Therapy Manager (PTM) allows you to receive additional doses of medication from your SynchroMed II pump as prescribed by your physician. There is a “lockout interval” which refers to the length of time that you must wait between doses as prescribed by your physician. You must wait until the “lockout interval” has expired before the PTM will allow you to activate the next dose. Please review your dosage information with your physician.
Q: I’m planning a trip to the mountains this summer. Will a change in altitude affect my pump?
A: Yes, a change in altitude may affect the pressure in the pump and may cause temporary under or over delivery of medication. This may result in a measurable drug underdose or overdose. Patients must consult with their physician before travel or other activities involving pressure changes to discuss the potential risks.
Q: What types of activities may damage my catheter?
A: Although the catheter is made of flexible and durable materials, it is still subject to wear. Repetitive movements may put undue stress on the implanted components of your drug delivery system and may cause damage over time. Activities that include sudden, excessive, or repetitive bending, twisting, bouncing, or stretching can damage the catheter or cause it to move. The catheter may also become kinked or blocked, preventing drug delivery and resulting in a measurable or dangerous loss of or change in therapy. This may require surgery to repair or replace the catheter. A few examples of summer activities to approach with caution include: swimming, horseback riding, amusement park rides, tennis and running.
As a general rule, you should know where your catheter and pump are placed. Keep in mind which movements may put strain on the catheter or on the stitches that hold the pump in place. Activities that can damage the implant site or any of the implanted components should be avoided. Always discuss these activities with your physician.
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Please contact your doctor with medical related questions regarding your device. You may also contact Medtronic Patient Services with device related questions at 1-800-510-6735 during the business hours of Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Central Standard Time. |
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