Introduction to Screening and Implant Techniques
Screening Test for Neurostimulation
Complete System Implantation
Preoperative Considerations
Neurostimulation System Implant Procedure
Postoperative Care

Once the neurostimulation system is implanted, the patient should be closely monitored. Postoperative care involves the following:

• Management of complications
• Patient education
• Care of operative site
• System reprogramming (if necessary)

• Surgical complications
• System complications

Surgical Complications

Prophylactic antibiotics are recommended for implantation. Patients who have poor nutritional status, are small and/or thin, or have generally poor health are at greater risk for post-surgical infections.

• Infection
• Hematoma
• Epidural hemorrhage
• CSF leakage
• Paralysis
• Pain and discomfort
• Seroma at the neurostimulator or receiver site

Should any of the above complications occur, they should be managed according to your hospital's policies and procedures, as well as medical and nursing standards of care.

For more information on risks associated with neurostimulation, see Important Safety Information and Risks.

System Complications

• Electrical leakage
• Lead and/or neurostimulator erosion or migration
• Connection problem
• Wire breakage
• Short circuit

In addition, the patient may experience:

• Loss of pain relief
• Loss of stimulation
• Undesirable change in stimulation described by some patients as uncomfortable, "jolting" or "shocking"
• Radicular chest wall stimulation
• Allergic or immune system response to the implanted materials

During the postoperative period, the clinician reviews essential information with the patient. Patients should be advised to limit their activities after the implant procedure to reduce the risk of lead movement and subsequent loss of stimulation effectiveness. Post-implant activity precautions are listed in the Postimplant Instructionsavailable in the online Library. Sensations that patients should expect during the 6 to 8 weeks after surgery are listed in a form titled Changes in Stimulation after Surgeryavailable in the online Library. Other short- and long-term precautions associated with the use of neurostimulation are highlighted in the Ongoing Precautionsform, also available in the online Library.

For more information on system complications and trouble shooting, consult the Troubleshooting section of the publication Spinal Cord Stimulation: Patient Management Guidelines for Clinicians - Part 3available in the online Library.

To see Citations regarding Screening Test and Implant Techniques. . .

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Introduction to Screening and Implant Techniques
Screening Test for Neurostimulation
Complete System Implantation
Preoperative Considerations
Neurostimulation System Implant Procedure
Postoperative Care