Getting a Replacement – Enterra Neurostimulator

The Neurostimulator Battery

The Enterra^® neurostimulator is powered by a battery sealed inside a metal case. Over time, the battery will become too weak to power the neurostimulator, and you will need to schedule a replacement surgery with your doctor.

When to Call Your Doctor

Always contact your doctor with questions you have about your therapy, medications, physical activity, recommended diet, follow-up visits, and other concerns.

Call your doctor if you are not experiencing the same symptoms of relief from the therapy you experienced previously. If you have a flare-up of symptoms, do not be alarmed and call your doctor if:

You are not receiving adequate therapy for your symptoms. Your neurostimulator may simply need readjustment to a different setting, or there may be a problem with one of the leads or the neurostimulator. Your doctor should be able to determine the cause of the problem and correct it.
You experience any uncomfortable pulsating or stimulation sensations in your abdominal area.
You have new or unusual abdominal pain, cramping, nausea or vomiting at any time after surgery.
You have pain, redness, or swelling at the incision later than 6 weeks after surgery.
You experience any other unusual symptoms.
You are considering other dental or medical procedures.

Replacement Surgery

When the battery in your neurostimulator runs down, your doctor will obtain prior authorization from your health insurance company and approval for a replacement surgery and then schedule a procedure for you.

During the surgery, your doctor will remove the neurostimulator and implant a new one. Your implanted leads will also be checked to make sure they are working properly. If they are, the new neurostimulator will be connected to the leads that are already in place. If the leads are not working as they should be, they will be replaced too.

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Humanitarian Device: The effectiveness of this device for this use has not been demonstrated.

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

Last updated: 4 Sep 2009