scholarly journals In situ repair of vagus nerve stimulator lead damage: technical note

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 679-682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Ralston ◽  
Patti Ogden ◽  
Michael H. Kohrman ◽  
David M. Frim
Keyword(s):  
Vagus Nerve ◽  
Pulse Generator ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Electrode Array ◽  
Technical Note ◽  
Ablative Surgery ◽  
Impedance Testing

Vagus nerve stimulators (VNSs) are currently an accepted treatment for intractable epilepsy not amenable to ablative surgery. Battery death and lead damage are the main reasons for reoperation in patients with VNSs. In general, any damage to the lead requires revision surgery to remove the helical electrodes from the vagus nerve and replace the electrode array and wire. The electrodes are typically scarred and difficult to remove from the vagus nerve without injury. The authors describe 6 patients with VNSs who presented with low lead impedance on diagnostic testing, leading to the intraoperative finding of lead insulation disruption, or who were found incidentally at the time of implantable pulse generator battery replacement to have a tear in the outer insulation of the electrode wire. Instead of replacement, the wire insulation was repaired and reinforced in situ, leading to normal impedance testing. All 6 devices remained functional over a follow-up period of up to 87 months, with 2 of the 6 patients having a relatively shorter follow-up of only 12 months. This technique, applicable in a subset of patients with VNSs requiring lead exploration, obviates the need for lead replacement with its attendant risks.

Implanted vagus nerve stimulation in 126 patients: surgical technique and complications

2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (7) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Vagus Nerve ◽  
Vocal Cord ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Vagus Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Pulse Generator ◽  
Operative Procedure ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Vagal Nerve ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Nerve Stimulator

Introduction: Vagus nerve stimulation is a palliative treatment for patients with refractory epilepsy to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures. A bipolar helical electrode is placed around the left vagus nerve at the cervical level and is connected to the pulse generator placed in a subcutaneous pocket, most commonly in the subclavian region. Methods: Between March 1998 and October 2019, we performed 196 procedures related to the vagal nerve stimulation at the Neurosurgery Department in Motol University Hospital. Of these, 126 patients were vagal nerve stimulator implantation surgeries for intractable epilepsy. The cases included 69 female and 57 male patients with mean age at the time of the implantation surgery 22±12.4 years (range 2.1−58.4 years). Results: Nine patients (7.1%) were afflicted by complications related to implantation. Surgical complications included postoperative infection in 1.6%, VNS-associated arrhythmias in 1.6%, jugular vein bleeding in 0.8% and vocal cord paresis in 2.4%. One patient with vocal cord palsy also suffered from severe dysphagia. One patient (0.8%) did not tolerate extra stimulation with magnet due to a prolonged spasm in his throat. The extra added benefit of vagus stimulation in one patient was a significant reduction of previously regular severe headaches. Conclusion: Vagus nerve stimulation is an appropriate treatment for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who are not candidates for focal resective surgery. Implantation of the vagus nerve stimulator is a relatively safe operative procedure.

Long term effect of vagus nerve stimulation in pediatric intractable epilepsy: an extended follow-up

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 641-646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayse Serdaroglu ◽  
Ebru Arhan ◽  
Gökhan Kurt ◽  
Atilla Erdem ◽  
Tugba Hirfanoglu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vagus Nerve ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Vagus Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Term Effect ◽  
Long Term Effect

scholarly journals Efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation in brain tumor–associated intractable epilepsy and the importance of tumor stability

2013 ◽  
Vol 119 (2) ◽  
pp. 520-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunal S. Patel ◽  
Nelson Moussazadeh ◽  
Werner K. Doyle ◽  
Douglas R. Labar ◽  
Theodore H. Schwartz
Keyword(s):  
Brain Tumor ◽  
Vagus Nerve ◽  
Tumor Progression ◽  
Seizure Frequency ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Vagus Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Malignant Tumors ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Postoperative Seizure

Object Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a viable option for patients with medically intractable epilepsy. However, there are no studies examining its effect on individuals with brain tumor–associated intractable epilepsy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of VNS in patients with brain tumor–associated medically intractable epilepsy. Methods Epilepsy surgery databases at 2 separate epilepsy centers were reviewed to identify patients in whom a VNS device was placed for tumor-related intractable epilepsy between January 1999 and December 2011. Preoperative and postoperative seizure frequency and type as well as antiepileptic drug (AED) regimens and degree of tumor progression were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using odds ratios and t-tests to examine efficacy. Results Sixteen patients were included in the study. Eight patients (50%) had an improved outcome (Engel Class I, II, or III) with an average follow-up of 39.6 months. The mean reduction in seizure frequency was 41.7% (p = 0.002). There was no significant change in AED regimens. Seizure frequency decreased by 10.9% in patients with progressing tumors and by 65.6% in patients with stable tumors (p = 0.008). Conclusions Vagus nerve stimulation therapy in individuals with brain tumor–associated medically intractable epilepsy was shown to be comparably effective in regard to seizure reduction and response rates to the general population of VNS therapy patients. Outcomes were better in patients with stable as opposed to progressing tumors. The authors' findings support the recommendation of VNS therapy in patients with brain tumor–associated intractable epilepsy, especially in cases in which imminent tumor progression is not expected. Vagus nerve stimulation may not be indicated in more malignant tumors.

Upper arm basilic vein elevation as a solution for forearm ulnar-basilic arteriovenous fistulae with cannulation problems

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-324
Author(s):  
Alexandros Mallios ◽  
William Jennings ◽  
Alessandro Costanzo ◽  
Benoit Boura ◽  
Myriam Combes
Keyword(s):  
Arteriovenous Fistula ◽  
Technical Note ◽  
Dialysis Access ◽  
Basilic Vein ◽  
Upper Arm ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistulae ◽  
Needle Position ◽  
Arterial Inflow

Background: Ulnar-basilic arteriovenous fistula is an alternative option when a radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula is not feasible. We review our technique of basilic vein transposition in the upper arm for difficult to puncture forearm ulnar-basilic non-transposed arteriovenous fistulae. Technical note: Three patients were referred for forearm ulnar-basilic arteriovenous fistulae with difficult cannulation where the forearm basilic vein was left in situ (non-transposed). Surgeon performed ultrasound examination confirmed a patent arteriovenous fistula with adequate diameter and flow, draining to the basilic vein in the forearm and into the upper arm. Recurrent new and resolving hematomas were present surrounding the forearm basilic vein resulting from difficult cannulation issues and problems maintaining needle position due the posterior-medial ulnar-basilic arteriovenous fistula position and mobility of the non-transposed forearm basilic vein. A basilic vein transposition elevation procedure was performed in the upper arm starting at the level of the elbow to a few centimeters below the axilla. Branches of the dilated basilic vein were ligated, the median cutaneous nerve was preserved, and the vein was elevated from its native position to a superficial and anterior location. Although difficult, dialysis access had been continued in the forearm during a brief period and none required catheter placement. Reliable dialysis access was successfully initiated using the newly transposed basilic vein in the upper arm 3–4 weeks after the procedure, maintaining arterial inflow based on the original ulnar-basilic arteriovenous fistula anastomosis at the wrist. None of the patients required further interventions with follow-up of 8, 15, and 22 months.

scholarly journals Vagal Nerve Stimulator Lead Revision Using Needle-Tip Cautery: Case Series, Literature Review, and Technical Note

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vyacheslav I Makler ◽  
Erin D’Agostino ◽  
David F Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Vagus Nerve ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Electrode Array ◽  
Complete Removal ◽  
Scar Tissue ◽  
The United States ◽  
Technical Note ◽  
Vagal Nerve ◽  
Vagal Nerve Stimulator ◽  
Monopolar Electrocautery

Abstract INTRODUCTION Vagal nerve stimulators (VNs) have been in use in the United States since the 1990s as a palliative treatment option for drug-resistant epilepsy. Over time, the electrode coils wrapped around the vagus nerve become encapsulated by extensive scar tissue, making complete electrode removal challenging. We present a case series of lead revision surgeries with a unique way to remove the scar tissue around the vagus nerve, demonstrating a technique for complete electrode removal. METHODS This was a case series of 9 consecutive patients who underwent complete removal of an existing VNs electrode using needle tip monopolar electrocautery. RESULTS Complete removal of the entire VNs electrode array was achieved in all patients with no permanent complications seen at postoperative follow-up at 3 mo. CONCLUSION Complete VNs electrode array removal can be safely achieved by using needle tip monopolar electrocautery.

Outcome of Percutaneous Nephrostomy in Children With Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-64
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman Chowdhury ◽  
Rifat Zaman ◽  
Md Amanur Rasul ◽  
Akm Shahadat Hossain ◽  
Shafiqul Alam Chowdhury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Function ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction ◽  
Percutaneous Nephrostomy ◽  
Ureteropelvic Junction ◽  
College Hospital ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Split Renal Function

Introduction and objectives: Congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the most common cause of hydronephrosis. Management protocols are based on the presence of symptoms and when the patient is asymptomatic the function of the affected kidney determines the line of treatment. Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) became a widely accepted procedure in children in the 1990s. The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of performing percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) in all patients with UPJO and split renal function (SRF) of less than 10% in the affected kidney, because the management of such cases is still under debate. Methods:This prospective clinical trial was carried out at Dhaka Medical College Hospital from January 2014 to December 2016. Eighteen consecutive patients who underwent PCN for the treatment of unilateral UPJO were evaluated prospectively. In these children, ultrasonography was used for puncture and catheter insertion. Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia was used for puncture. Pig tail catheters were employed. The PCN remained in situ for at least 4 weeks, during which patients received low-dose cephalosporin prophylaxis. Repeat renography was done after 4 weeks. When there was no significant improvement in split renal function (10% or greater) and PCN drainage (greater than 200 ml per day) then nephrectomies were performed otherwise pyeloplasties were performed. The patients were followed up after pyeloplasty with renograms at 3 months and 6 months post operatively. Results: All the patients had severe hydronephrosis during diagnosis and 14 patients with unilateral UPJO were improved after PCN drainage and underwent pyeloplasty. The rest four patients that did not show improvement in the SRF and total volume of urine output underwent nephrectomy. In the patients with unilateral UPJO who improved after PCN drainage, the SRF was increased to 26.4% ±8.6% (mean± SD) after four weeks and pyeloplasty was performed. At three and six months follow-up, SRF value was 29.2% ±8.5% and 30.8.2% ±8.8% respectively. Conclusion: Before planning of nephrectomy in poorly functioning kidneys (SRF < 10%) due to congenital UPJO, PCN drainage should be done to asses improvement of renal function. Bangladesh Journal of Urology, Vol. 20, No. 2, July 2017 p.61-64

Getting to know a new protocol in hypertension care

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona Lundin
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Interaction Analysis ◽  
Medical Discourse ◽  
Graphical Form ◽  
Graph Data ◽  
Average Blood Pressure ◽  
Infrastructure Design

This study explores the use of a new protocol in hypertension care, in which continuous patient-generated data reported through digital technology are presented in graphical form and discussed in follow-up consultations with nurses. This protocol is part of an infrastructure design project in which patients and medical professionals are co-designers. The approach used for the study was interaction analysis, which rendered possible detailed in situ examination of local variations in how nurses relate to the protocol. The findings show three distinct engagements: (1) teasing out an average blood pressure, (2) working around the protocol and graph data and (3) delivering an analysis. It was discovered that the graphical representations structured the consultations to a great extent, and that nurses mostly referred to graphs that showed blood pressure values, which is a measurement central to the medical discourse of hypertension. However, it was also found that analysis of the data alone was not sufficient to engage patients: nurses' invisible and inclusion work through eliciting patients' narratives played an important role here. A conclusion of the study is that nurses and patients both need to be more thoroughly introduced to using protocols based on graphs for more productive consultations to be established. 

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