Vercise™ DBS Physician Manual
Precautions
Physician training is required for usage of the Vercise™ DBS System. The implanting
physician should be experienced in the subspecialty of Stereotactic and Functional
Neurosurgery. The following is a list of precautions that should be taken when implanting
or using the DBS Stimulator.
Bathing. Patients should exercise reasonable caution when bathing.
Cell Phones and other Portable RF Communication Devices. While
interference caused by cell phones is not anticipated, the full effects of interaction with
cell phones are unknown at this time. Patients should be instructed that portable RF
communications equipment (for example, mobile phones) should be kept a minimum
distance of 6 inches (15 cm) from the area of the implanted device. If interference does
occur, move the cell phone away from the implanted Stimulator or turn off the phone. If
there is a concern or a problem is encountered, patients should contact their physician.
Cleaning the Charging Collar. Hand wash the Charging Collar with mild soap and
warm water. Do not machine wash the charging collar. Let the Charging Collar air dry. Be
sure to remove the Charger and Counterweight from the Charging Collar before washing
the Charging Collar.
Cleaning the Remote Control, Charger, Base Station, & Power Supply. The
components can be cleaned using alcohol or a mild detergent applied with a cloth or
tissue. Residue from soapy detergents should be removed with a damp cloth. Do not use
abrasive cleansers for cleaning. Do not clean the Charger, Base Station, or Power Supply
while they are directly or indirectly connected to a power outlet.
Component Removal & Disposal. Any explanted components should be returned
to Boston Scientific. The Stimulator should be explanted in the case of cremation and
returned to Boston Scientific. Cremation may cause the Stimulator battery to explode.
The Remote Control or Charging System should not be disposed of in fire, as these
components contain batteries which may explode causing injury when exposed to fire.
Used batteries should be disposed of in accordance with local laws and regulations.
Components. The use of components other than those supplied by Boston Scientific
and intended for use with the Vercise DBS System may: damage the system, diminish the
effectiveness of therapy, and/or put the patient at unknown risk.
Connections. Before inserting any DBS Lead or DBS Extension into any connector
or header ports, including the Stimulator header, DBS Extension connectors, and
operating room cable assembly, always wipe the DBS Lead with a dry cotton sponge.
Contamination inside the ports may be difficult to remove and can cause high
impedances, preventing electrical connectivity which may compromise the integrity of
the stimulation circuit.
Delayed Effectiveness. Patients may experience a delayed effect in symptom control
from DBS therapy. Patients and caregivers should be made aware that optimal symptom
control may require frequent programming adjustments over a period of several weeks to
months.
Vercise™ DBS Physician Manual
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