A Medtronic Pain Management Resource

Common Questions

ANSWERS FROM MEDTRONIC PATIENT SERVICES TEAM

Doctor and patient looking at a model of a spineQ: How long will my implantable system last?

A: NEUROSTIMULATION – Battery longevity varies depending on which kind of neurostimulator you are using, how many hours a day the system is used, the intensity of the stimulation, and individual patient differences. If you have a rechargeable system, your battery may last up to nine years but it also depends on recharging it appropriately. If the battery overdischarges three times, it will no longer deliver stimulation and surgery will then be required to replace your device.

INTRATHECAL DRUG DELIVERY - SynchroMed® II (Model 8637-20 or 8637-40): – The battery is designed to last up to seven years depending on how much medication the pump is set to deliver (the flow rate). This pump has a single tone alarm that may sound for several reasons. One reason, it will alarm 90 days before your pump battery is depleted. This is referred to as the Elective Replacement Indicator (ERI). When the alarm sounds for ERI, contact your doctor to schedule a pump replacement.

INTRATHECAL DRUG DELIVERY - SynchroMed® EL (Model 8627-10 or 8627-18): – The battery in this pump can last from five to seven years, depending on the flow rate. When the battery is nearing the end of service, you will hear the Low Battery Alarm as a single beep. We recommend scheduling a pump replacement as soon as a low-battery is confirmed by your physician. How much longer this pump will function once the Low Battery Alarm sounds varies.

Q: Is it necessary for me to maintain a relationship with a physician to manage my implanted neurostimulator?

A: Yes. It is important for the patient and the physician to communicate regularly and maintain a strong relationship. While your neurostimulation system may reduce your pain, it does not eliminate the source of your pain. Most managing physicians require a follow-up visit once every six months. Your physician may want to see you more or less often, depending on your situation.

NOTE: A “managing physician” is one who is familiar with Medtronic neurostimulation systems and works with a local Medtronic representative for device related questions. Please remember that Medtronic is a medical device manufacturer, not a healthcare provider. The Medtronic representatives are not employed as healthcare professionals; they support your managing physician. Therefore, your managing physician directs your medical care related to the implanted device. Any visits with the local Medtronic representative must be coordinated and approved by your managing physician and take place in a healthcare setting under the direction of a healthcare provider familiar with the implanted medical device. All medical questions and concerns regarding your implanted medical device must be addressed with your managing physician

Q: Can I go scuba diving or snorkeling?

A: Note: guidelines for hyperbaric chambers are also included.

NEUROSTIMULATION — Do not dive below 33 ft (10 m) of water or enter hyperbaric chambers above 2.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA). Pressures below 33 ft (10 m) of water or above 2.0 ATA can damage the neurostimulation system. As with any activity, discuss the effects of high pressure with your managing physician.

INTRATHECAL DRUG DELIVERY — Do not dive below 10 m (33 ft) of water or expose the pump to pressures above 2.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA) in a hyperbaric chamber. Pressures below 10 m (33 ft) of water or above 2.0 ATA could damage the pump requiring surgery to replace the pump. To minimize damage to the pump when hyperbaric treatment is required, your doctor should fill the pump to the full level prior to hyperbaric treatment and maintain your typical pump prescription during hyperbaric treatment. As the pressure increases, pump flow decreases. Continuing to increase the pressure will eventually result in a loss of or change in therapy that could result in serious injury or death.