NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic Brings Relief to Rural Town

August 23, 2021 at 04:35 AM EDT

Overwhelming hospital hallways and daunting distances fall before DBS and remote technology.

SOURCE: Abbott

DESCRIPTION:

Several years after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, Craig Overman was starting a new stage of his life, intimidated by the lengthy hallways at UC Health University of Colorado Hospital, as well as the five-and-a-half hour drive to get there.

Not anymore.

Today, his path is a bit simpler: walk to any room in his house and enter the NeuroSphereTM Virtual Clinic.

A Long Way From Where He Wanted to Be

When confronted with the vast expanse of the hospital facilities, Overman had to marvel at how he had gotten to this point in his life. He had always been very comfortable with long distances. As a resident of Newcastle, Wyoming, he loved the great outdoors and there are lots of them between Craig and major medical centers. Which wasn't a problem until 2015 when he learned of his neurological condition.

As the disease progressed, he found himself increasingly unable to do things he had taken for granted. He could no longer go bowhunting, walk long distances or operate the heavy machinery which had been his career for decades. Just as importantly, he was losing his confidence.

He was unable to lift his feet and the subsequent shuffling motion left him unsure whether he could successfully walk out of a store that he had walked into. Not wanting to be a distraction, he even stopped attending his grandson's sporting events.

His wife Susan, who works full-time as the Weston County Treasurer, was increasingly worried about what she would find upon returning from work. "You never knew if you were going to come home and find him on the floor," she said.

To make matters worse, the medications he was taking required higher dosages to have a similar impact and were increasingly hurting his appetite and digestive system. "At one point I lost 30 pounds," Overman said.

A New Treatment Option, but Not Right Around the Corner

Overman's treating neurologist, located in "nearby" Rapid City, North Dakota (a hop, skip and 1.5-hour drive away), understood that he might benefit from a different approach. She referred him to Dr. Drew Kern, a neurologist in Aurora, Colorado, with considerable experience using Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) to treat Parkinson's.

It was a perfect fit. "Dr. Kern was able to answer all my questions. He was very professional, personable and kind," said Overman.

DBS is designed to control tremor, rigidity, stiffness slowed movement and walking problems often associated with Parkinson's. The physician team led by Dr. Kern and Dr. Steven Ojemann - a neurosurgeon with 20 years of DBS experience - conducted the multi-part procedure over the course of several weeks. They chose the Abbott InfinityTM DBS System.

In DBS surgery, electrodes are inserted into targeted areas of the brain, using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and recordings of brain cell activity. A procedure is then performed to implant an IPG (impulse generator battery - like a pacemaker). The IPG is placed under the collarbone or in the abdomen. The IPG provides an electrical impulse to a part of the brain involved in motor function. Those who undergo DBS surgery are given a controller to make necessary adjustments, as is the treating physician, according to the National Parkinson's Foundation.

"When we had first gone to University of Colorado Hospital, I had no confidence in being able to walk through those long hospital hallways. I didn't want to fall and was afraid of putting my family in the position of having to help me, so I got a collapsible electric wheelchair that I could operate myself.

"We ended up having to travel back and forth to the hospital a lot when the procedures started. They put an implant on one side, then wait a week. Place an implant on the other side and wait a week. Then they implant the stimulator and wait two weeks before you return to have it turned on and adjusted," recalled Overman.

Each visit to the hospital, from first consult to most recent, involved Susan Overman driving 11 hours round trip, including city driving (which was a bit different than in Newcastle), 2-3 days off from work for her, as well as overnight stays and meals. "The average trip was about $300 out-of-pocket and obviously exhausting for everyone. I'm grateful to everyone who helped us but I don't care if I never have to make that trip again," Overman laughed.

"He Told Me to Go Faster."

"Going into the visit where the device was going to be turned on, I couldn't really raise my feet. I just shuffled them. After Dr. Kern did the initial programming, he told me to walk down the hallway. So I tried and I thought, 'Shoot, I can do this.'

"He told me to go faster and I said I can't. He said I could. So I started walking faster and realized that I actually could. It was kind of emotional. Between before turning it on and him turning me loose down that hallway, was like night and day. It was like being confined to a wheelchair and then you can, all of a sudden, get up and walk. It was that kind of satisfaction."

And the impact was immediate in more than one way. "I was able to half my dosage of sleeping pills, reduce my Parkinson's meds from 18-20 to 1-2 pills per day and eliminate my anxiety meds completely. My digestive system has improved, and I celebrated Father's Day this year with my first hamburger in a year."

Enter the NeuroSphere

No one likes to go to the doctor's office, even if it's 15 minutes away. Adding Parkinson's and more than five hours-plus of travel each way does not sweeten the experience. Which is why the NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic is such an important advancement in patient care.

Here's how Binith Cheeran, M.D., medical director of movement disorders at Abbott, describes NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic's secure, in-app video chat and remote programming, all accessible via our patient controller app.:

"The difference with Virtual Clinic is that when the physician makes an assessment, they can adjust the patient's treatment — the 'dose' is a packet of electrons — by pressing a button on an iPad mini," Cheeran said. "And that little message gets sent to a stimulator, which delivers mild electrical pulses to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's. They can assess the effects and titrate the 'dose' immediately.

"They can treat, assess the effect and re-adjust treatment, over minutes," he said. "All of that happens securely over Wi-Fi, without leaving the comfort of home."

Adjusting to a New World

"You can see the doctor and he can see you," said Overman. "Everything except the actual touch is just like you're in the doctor's office. We just need an iPhone and the app. My wife aims the video at me so Dr. Kern can see how I'm walking. I can do it from anywhere. Using the app, he can make whatever adjustments are needed and I experience it immediately.

"He has done two major adjustments and I make minor adjustments as needed. He can set up the parameters for me and I adjust within those parameters, usually about every two weeks. Luckily, I haven't had to contact the office to request an unscheduled adjustment, so we have only had two virtual appointments so far. The first was in April and took about 15-20 minutes, followed by a longer visit in May.

"We are scheduled to have our third virtual visit in August and I couldn't be happier with how the system works. The remote is very simple. I'm no tech guy so I'm glad it's so easy to use."

Ease of use leads to peace of mind. "The Virtual Clinic takes out all the worry about driving back and forth. The device makes my life so much better by itself but then you take away the burden of travelling, time away and expense, it just makes it better and better."

Driving the Bus

"I think Dr. Kern put it pretty well. 'You are the driver of the bus. I can get you in that bus, but you know your body better than anyone, so you're going to take the wheel and make the adjustments that you need. And here are the guardrails we'll set for you.'"

So far, he is happy with the ride.

"I have to be a little more careful when doing some of the activities I like, but that's ok. The thing is, I'm able to be outdoors. It's just a little slower."

As he enjoys walking around Newcastle, Craig Overman can think back to those hospital hallways that no longer intimidate him and those 11-hour round trips on that path less taken now. And he can take comfort in knowing that his is the home of a NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic, where he is only a Wi-Fi connection away from his trusted neurology team.

This story reflects one person's experience; not everyone will experience the same results. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of your treatment options.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION (DBS) THERAPY

PRESCRIPTION AND SAFETY INFORMATION

Read this section to gather important prescription and safety information.For specific indications, contraindications, instructions, warnings, precautions, and adverse effects about system components available in your country or region, see the approved clinician's manual for those components.

INTENDED USE

This neurostimulation system is designed to deliver low-intensity electrical impulses to nerve structures. The system is intended to be used with leads and associated extensions that are compatible with the system.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION (DBS) THERAPY
PRESCRIPTION AND SAFETY INFORMATION

INTENDED USE

INDICATIONS FOR USE

United States:
The neurostimulation system is indicated for the following conditions:

Bilateral stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or the internal globus pallidus (GPi) as an adjunctive therapy to reduce some of the symptoms of advanced levodopa-responsive Parkinson’s disease that are not adequately controlled by medications.
Unilateral or bilateral stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus for the suppression of disabling upper extremity tremor in adult essential tremor patients whose tremor is not adequately controlled by medications and where the tremor constitutes a significant functional disability.

International:
The neurostimulation system is indicated for the following conditions:

Unilateral or bilateral stimulation of the thalamus, internal globus pallidus (GPi), or subthalamic nucleus (STN) in patients with levodopa-responsive Parkinson’s disease.
Unilateral or bilateral stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus for the management of disabling tremor.
Unilateral or bilateral stimulation of the internal globus pallidus (GPi) or the subthalamic nucleus (STN) for the management of intractable, chronic dystonia, including primary and secondary dystonia, for patients who are at least 7 years old.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

United States:
This system is contraindicated for patients who meet the following criteria:

Are unable to operate the system
Have unsuccessful test stimulation

The following procedures are contraindicated for patients with a deep brain stimulation system. Advise patients to inform their healthcare professional that they cannot undergo the following procedures:

Diathermy (short-wave diathermy, microwave diathermy, or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy)
Electroshock therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

International:
Implantation of this neurostimulation system is contraindicated for the following:

Patients for whom test stimulation is unsuccessful.
Patients who are unable to properly operate the system.

The following procedures are contraindicated for patients that have been implanted with this device:

Diathermy therapy. Do not use short-wave diathermy, microwave diathermy, or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy (all now referred to as diathermy) on patients implanted with a neurostimulation system. Energy from diathermy can be transferred through the implanted system and can cause tissue damage at the location of the implanted electrodes, resulting in a severe injury or death. Diathermy is further prohibited because it may also damage the neurostimulation system components. This damage could result in loss of therapy, requiring additional surgery for system replacement. Injury or damage can occur during diathermy treatment whether the neurostimulation system is turned on or off. All patients are advised to inform their healthcare professional that they should not be exposed to diathermy treatment.

MRI SAFETY INFORMATION

Some models of this system are Magnetic Resonance (MR) Conditional, and patients with these devices may be scanned safely with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when the conditions for safe scanning are met. Scanning under different conditions may cause device malfunction, severe patient injury, or death. For more information about MR Conditional deep brain stimulation (DBS) components and systems, including equipment settings, scanning procedures, and a complete listing of conditionally approved components, refer to the MRI procedures clinician's manual for DBS systems (available online at manuals.sjm.com). For more information about MR Conditional products, visit the Abbott product information page at sjm.com/MRIReady.

WARNINGS

The following warnings apply to this neurostimulation system.

Pregnancy and nursing. Safety and effectiveness of neurostimulation for use during pregnancy and nursing have not been established. Patients should not use this neurostimulation system if they are pregnant or nursing.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Some patients may be implanted with the components that make up a Magnetic Resonance (MR) Conditional system, which allows them to receive an MRI scan if all the requirements for the implanted components and for scanning are met. A physician can help determine if a patient is eligible to receive an MRI scan by following the requirements provided by Abbott Medical. Physicians should also discuss any risks of MRI with patients.

If any component of the implanted neurostimulation system, such as an IPG, lead, or extension, does not meet the requirements for an MR Conditional system, do not perform an MRI scan. If a system does not meet the MR Conditional requirements, consider it MR Unsafe.

High stimulation outputs and charge density limits. Avoid excessive stimulation. A risk of brain tissue damage exists with parameter settings using high amplitudes and wide pulse widths. High amplitudes and wide pulse widths should only be programmed with due consideration of the warnings concerning charge densities. The system can be programmed to use parameter settings outside the range of those used in the clinical studies. If the programming of stimulation parameters exceeds the charge density limit of 30 μC/cm2, a screen will appear warning you that the charge density is too high. Charge density can be reduced by lowering the stimulation amplitude or pulse width. For more information, see the clinician programmer manual.

Higher amplitudes and wider pulse widths may indicate a system problem or a suboptimal lead placement. Stimulation at high outputs may cause unpleasant sensations or motor disturbances or may render the patient incapable of controlling the patient controller. If unpleasant sensations occur, the device should be turned off immediately using the patient magnet.

Risk of depression, suicidal ideations, and suicide. New onset or worsening depression, which may be temporary or permanent, is a risk that has been reported with DBS therapy. Suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide are events that have also been reported. Therefore, physicians should consider the following:

Preoperatively, assess patients for the risks of depression and suicide. This assessment should consider both the risk of depression and suicide as well as the potential clinical benefits of DBS therapy for the condition being treated.
Postoperatively, actively monitor patients for new or worsening symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or changes in mood or impulse control.
If a patient experiences new or worsening depression or suicidal ideation, manage these symptoms appropriately.
Educate patients and caregivers about these potential risks prior to implantation, and be sure that they know about the importance of ongoing support and follow-up, including when to contact their health care provider.

Poor surgical risks. Neurostimulation should not be used on patients who are poor surgical risks or patients with multiple illnesses or active general infections.

Explosive or flammable gases. Do not use the clinician programmer or patient controller in an environment where explosive or flammable gas fumes or vapors are present. The operation of the clinician programmer or patient controller could cause them to ignite, causing severe burns, injury, or death.

Operation of machinery and equipment. Patients should not operate potentially dangerous machinery, power tools, or vehicles or engage in any activity that could be unsafe if their symptoms were to unexpectedly return.

Device components. The use of components not approved for use by Abbott Medical with this system may result in damage to the system and increased risk to the patient.

Electrosurgery. To avoid harming the patient or damaging the neurostimulation system, do not use monopolar electrosurgery devices on patients with implanted neurostimulation systems. Before using an electrosurgery device, place the device in Surgery Mode using the patient controller app or clinician programmer app. Confirm the neurostimulation system is functioning correctly after the procedure.

During implant procedures, if electrosurgery devices must be used, take the following actions:

Use bipolar electrosurgery only.
Complete any electrosurgery procedures before connecting the leads or extensions to the neurostimulator.
Keep the current paths from the electrosurgery device as far from the neurostimulation system as possible.
Set the electrosurgery device to the lowest possible energy setting.
Confirm that the neurostimulation system is functioning correctly during the implant procedure and before closing the neurostimulator pocket.

Radiofrequency or microwave ablation. Careful consideration should be used before using radiofrequency (RF) or microwave ablation in patients who have an implanted neurostimulation system since safety has not been established. Induced electrical currents may cause heating, especially at the lead electrode site, resulting in tissue damage.

Implanted cardiac systems. Physicians need to be aware of the risk and possible interaction between a neurostimulation system and an implanted cardiac system, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator. Electrical pulses from a neurostimulation system may interact with the sensing operation of an implanted cardiac system, causing the cardiac system to respond inappropriately. To minimize or prevent the implanted cardiac system from sensing the output of the neurostimulation system, (1) maximize the distance between the implanted systems; (2) verify that the neurostimulation system is not interfering with the functions of the implanted cardiac system; and (3) avoid programming either device in a unipolar mode (using the device’s can as an anode) or using neurostimulation system settings that interfere with the function of the implantable cardiac system.

Other active implanted devices. The neurostimulation system may interfere with the normal operation of another active implanted device, such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, or another type of neurostimulator. Conversely, the other active implanted device may interfere with the operation of the neurostimulation system.

Case damage. If the case of the implantable pulse generator (IPG) is pierced or ruptured, severe burns could result from exposure to battery chemicals.

Cremation. The IPG should be explanted before cremation because the IPG could explode. Return the explanted IPG to Abbott Medical.

Component disposal. Return all explanted components to Abbott Medical for safe disposal. IPGs contain batteries as well as other potentially hazardous materials. Do not crush, puncture, or burn the IPG because explosion or fire may result.

Coagulopathies. Physicians should use extreme care with lead implantation in patients with a heightened risk of intracranial hemorrhage. Physicians should also consider underlying factors, such as previous neurological injury or prescribed medications (anticoagulants), that may predispose a patient to the risk of bleeding.

Low frequencies. Stimulation frequencies at less than 30 Hz may cause tremor to be driven (meaning that tremor occurs at the same frequency as the programmed frequency). For this reason, programming at frequencies less than 30 Hz is not recommended.

IPG placement. The IPG should be placed into the pocket, at a depth not to exceed 4 cm (1.57 in), with the logo side facing toward the skin surface. Placing the IPG deeper than 4 cm (1.57 in) can impede or prohibit IPG communications with the clinician programmer or patient controller.

Return of symptoms and rebound effect. The abrupt cessation of stimulation for any reason will probably cause disease symptoms to return. In some cases, symptoms may return with a greater intensity than what a patient experienced before system implantation (rebound effect). In rare cases, this can create a medical emergency.

PRECAUTIONS

The following precautions apply to this neurostimulation system.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

Surgeon training. Implanting physicians should be experienced in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery.

Clinician training. Clinicians should be familiar with deep brain stimulation therapy and be experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of the indication for which the deep brain stimulation components are being used.

Patient selection. Select patients appropriately for deep brain stimulation. The patient should be able and willing to use the patient controller and correctly interpret the icons and messages that appear on the screen.

Especially consider the following additional factors when selecting patients:

Level of available support from a caregiver.
Expected effect from cessation of therapy, should disease symptoms return unexpectedly.
Patient's age, as very young or very old patients may have difficulty performing required monitoring of the device.
Patient's mental capacity, as patients with cognitive impairment or those prone to developing dementia would likely have difficulty performing device-related tasks without assistance.
Patient's physical ability, as patients with higher degrees of motor impairment might have difficulty with the physical requirements of monitoring the device.
Patient's visual ability to read the patient controller screen.

Infection. Follow proper infection control procedures. Infections may require that the device be explanted.

Electromagnetic interference (EMI). Some equipment in home, work, medical, and public environments can generate EMI that is strong enough to interfere with the operation of a neurostimulation system or damage system components. Patients should avoid getting too close to these types of EMI sources, which include the following examples: commercial electrical equipment (such as arc welders and induction furnaces), communication equipment (such as microwave transmitters and high-power amateur transmitters), high-voltage power lines, radiofrequency identification (RFID) devices, and some medical procedures (such as therapeutic radiation and electromagnetic lithotripsy).

Security, antitheft, and radiofrequency identification (RFID) devices. Some antitheft devices, such as those used at entrances or exits of department stores, libraries, and other public places, and airport security screening devices may affect stimulation. Additionally, RFID devices, which are often used to read identification badges, as well as some tag deactivation devices, such as those used at payment counters at stores and loan desks at libraries, may also affect stimulation. Patients should cautiously approach such devices and should request help to bypass them. If they must go through or near a gate or doorway containing this type of device, patients should move quickly and then check their IPG to determine if it is turned on or off.

Unauthorized changes to stimulation parameters. Caution patients to not make unauthorized changes to physician-established stimulation parameters.

Damage to shallow implants. Falling and other traumatic accidents can damage shallowly implanted components such as the leads and extensions.

Keep programmers and controllers dry. The clinician programmer and patient controller are not waterproof. Keep them dry to avoid damage. Advise patients to not use the patient controller when engaging in activities that might cause it to get wet, such as swimming or bathing.

Handle the programmers and controllers with care. The clinician programmer and patient controllers are sensitive electronic devices that can be damaged by rough handling, such as dropping them on the ground.

Battery care. Batteries can explode, leak, or melt if disassembled, shorted (when battery connections contact metal), or exposed to high temperature or fire.

Long-term safety and effectiveness. The long-term safety and effectiveness of this neurostimulation system has not been established beyond 5 years. Safety and effectiveness has not been established for patients with a neurological disease other than Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor, previous surgical ablation procedures, dementia, coagulopathies, or moderate to severe depression; patients under 22 years; implantation in targets other than the STN for Parkinson's disease and the VIM for essential tremor; patients with an active implantable device; patients requiring MRI.

STERILIZATION AND STORAGE

Single-use, sterile device. The implanted components of this neurostimulation system are intended for a single use only. Sterile components in this kit have been sterilized using ethylene oxide (EtO) gas before shipment and are supplied in sterile packaging to permit direct introduction into the sterile field. Do not resterilize or reimplant an explanted system for any reason.

Storage environment. Store components and their packaging where they will not come in contact with liquids of any kind. Detailed information on storage environment is provided in the appendix of this manual.

HANDLING AND IMPLANTATION

Expiration date. An expiration date (or “use-before” date) is printed on the packaging. Do not use the system if the use-before date has expired.

Care and handling of components. Use extreme care when handling system components. Excessive heat, excessive traction, excessive bending, excessive twisting, or the use of sharp instruments may damage and cause failure of the components.

Package or component damage. Do not implant a device if the sterile package or components show signs of damage, if the sterile seal is ruptured, or if contamination is suspected for any reason. Return any suspect components to Abbott Medical for evaluation.

Exposure to body fluids or saline. Prior to connection, exposure of the metal contacts, such as those on the connection end of a lead or extension, to body fluids or saline can lead to corrosion. If such exposure occurs, clean the affected parts with sterile, deionized water or sterile water for irrigation, and dry them completely prior to lead connection and implantation.

Skin erosion. To avoid the risk of skin erosion, implant components at the appropriate depth and inform patients to avoid touching their skin where components are implanted. The IPG should be placed into the pocket, at a depth not to exceed 4.0 cm (1.57 in), with the logo side facing toward the skin surface.

System testing. To ensure correct operation, always test the system during the implant procedure, before closing the neurostimulator pocket, and before the patient leaves the surgery suite.

Device modification. The equipment is not serviceable by the customer. To prevent injury or damage to the system, do not modify the equipment. If needed, return the equipment to Abbott Medical for service.

Multiple leads. When multiple leads are implanted, route the lead extensions so the area between them is minimized. If the lead extensions are routed in a loop, the loop will increase the potential for electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Abandoned leads and replacement leads. The long-term safety associated with multiple implants, leads left in place without use, replacement of leads, multiple implants into the target structure, and lead explant is unknown. Placement of lead connection in neck. The lead-extension connector should not be placed in the soft tissues of the neck due to an increased incidence of lead fracture.

HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL ENVIRONMENTS

Electrical medical treatment. In the case that a medical treatment is administered where an electrical current is passed through the body from an external source, first deactivate the IPG by setting all electrodes to off, turning stimulation off, and setting amplitude to zero. Regardless if the device is deactivated, take care to monitor the device for proper function during and after treatment.

High-output ultrasonics and lithotripsy. The use of high-output devices, such as an electrohydraulic lithotriptor, may cause damage to the electronic circuitry of an implanted IPG. If lithotripsy must be used, do not focus the energy near the IPG.

Ultrasonic scanning equipment. The use of ultrasonic scanning equipment may cause mechanical damage to an implanted neurostimulation system if used directly over the implanted system.

External defibrillators. The safety of discharge of an external defibrillator on patients with implanted neurostimulation systems has not been established.

Therapeutic radiation. Therapeutic radiation may damage the electronic circuitry of an implanted neurostimulation system, although no testing has been done and no definite information on radiation effects is available. Sources of therapeutic radiation include therapeutic X rays, cobalt machines, and linear accelerators. If radiation therapy is required, the area over the implanted IPG should be shielded with lead. Damage to the system may not be immediately detectable.

Electrocardiograms. Ensure the neurostimulator is off before initiating an electrocardiogram (ECG). If the neurostimulator is on during an ECG, the ECG recording may be adversely affected, resulting in inaccurate ECG results. Inaccurate ECG results may lead to inappropriate treatment of the patient.

HOME AND OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS

Patient activities and environmental precautions. Patients should take reasonable care to avoid devices that generate strong EMI, which may cause the neurostimulation system to unintentionally turn on or off. Patients should also avoid any activities that would be potentially unsafe if their symptoms were to return unexpectedly. These activities include but are not limited to climbing ladders and operating potentially dangerous machinery, power tools, and vehicles. Sudden loss of stimulation may cause patients to fall or lose control of equipment or vehicles, injure others, or bring injury upon themselves.

Control of the patient controller. Advise patients to keep the patient controller away from children and pets in order to avoid potential damage or other hazards.

Activities requiring excessive twisting or stretching. Patients should avoid activities that may put undue stress on the implanted components of the neurostimulation system. Activities that include sudden, excessive or repetitive bending, twisting, or stretching can cause component fracture or dislodgement. Component fracture or dislodgement may result in loss of stimulation, intermittent stimulation, stimulation at the fracture site, and additional surgery to replace or reposition the component.

Activities requiring coordination. Loss of coordination is a potential side effect of DBS therapy. Patients should exercise reasonable caution when participating in activities that require coordination, including those that they were able to perform prior to receiving DBS therapy (for example, swimming).

Bathing. Patients should exercise reasonable caution when bathing.

Component manipulation by patient. Advise your patient to avoid manipulating the implanted system components (e.g., the neurostimulator, the burr hole site). This can result in component damage, lead dislodgement, skin erosion, or stimulation at the implant site. Manipulation may cause device inversion, inhibiting the ability to use the magnet to start or stop stimulation.

Scuba diving or hyperbaric chambers. Patients should not dive below 30 m (100 ft) of water or enter hyperbaric chambers above 4.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA). Pressures below 30 m (100 ft) of water (or above 4.0 ATA) could damage the neurostimulation system. Before diving or using a hyperbaric chamber, patients should discuss the effects of high pressure with their physician.

Skydiving, skiing, or hiking in the mountains. High altitudes should not affect the neurostimulator; however, the patient should consider the movements involved in any planned activity and take precautions to avoid putting undue stress on the implanted system. Patients should be aware that during skydiving, the sudden jerking that occurs when the parachute opens may cause lead dislodgement or fractures, which may require surgery to repair or replace the lead.

Wireless use restrictions. In some environments, the use of wireless functions (e.g., Bluetooth® wireless technology) may be restricted. Such restrictions may apply aboard airplanes, near explosives, or in hazardous locations. If you are unsure of the policy that applies to the use of this device, please ask for authorization to use it before turning it on. (Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.)

Mobile phones. The effect of mobile phones on deep brain stimulation is unknown. Patients should be advised to avoid carrying mobile phones in their shirt pocket or otherwise placing them directly over the deep brain stimulation system components. If interference occurs, try holding the phone to the other ear or turning off the phone.

Household appliances. Household appliances that contain magnets (e.g., refrigerators, freezers, inductive cooktops, stereo speakers, mobile telephones, cordless telephones, standard wired telephones, AM/FM radios, and some power tools) may unintentionally cause the neurostimulation system to turn on or turn off.

Therapeutic magnets. Patients should be advised to not use therapeutic magnets. Therapeutic magnets (e.g., magnets used in pillows, mattress pads, back belts, knee braces, wrist bands, and insoles) may unintentionally cause the neurostimulation system to turn on or off.

ADVERSE EFFECTS

Deep brain stimulation potentially has the following adverse effects:

Possible surgical complications. Surgical complications include, but are not limited to, the following: intracranial hemorrhage (which can lead to stroke, paralysis, or death); subcutaneous hemorrhage or seroma; hematoma; cerebrospinal fluid leakage or cerebrospinal fluid abnormality; brain contusion; infection or inflammation; antibiotic anaphylaxis; skin disorder; edema; persistent pain at surgery site or IPG site; erosion; brachial plexus injury (nerves to chest, shoulder and arm); postoperative pain, stress, or discomfort; neuropathy (nerve degeneration); hemiparesis (muscular weakness or partial paralysis on one side of body); ballism or hemiballism (uncontrollable movements on both or only one side of the body); confusion—transient, nocturnal or ongoing; cognitive impairment, including delirium, dementia, disorientation, psychosis and speech difficulties; aphasia; deep vein thrombosis; complications from anesthesia; phlebitis (vein inflammation); pulmonary embolism (sudden blood vessel obstruction); aborted procedures (air embolism, unable to find target, surgical complication, etc.); complications from unusual physiological variations in patients, including foreign body rejection phenomena; pneumonia, seizure or convulsions; paralysis (loss of motor function, inability to move); stroke and death.

Possible deep brain stimulation complications. Deep brain stimulation complications include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Device-related complications

Undesirable changes in stimulation related to cellular changes in tissue around the electrodes, changes in the electrode position, loose electrical connections, or lead fracture
Loss of therapeutic benefit as a result of change in electrode positions, loose electrical connections, or lead or extension fracture
Initial jolt or tingling during stimulation; jolting or shocking sensations
Infection
Paresthesia
Lead fracture, migration, or dislodgement
Misplaced lead
Extension malfunction, fracture, or disconnect
Deep brain stimulation system failure or battery failure within the device
Deep brain stimulation system malfunction or dislodgement
Spontaneous turning on or off of the IPG
Allergic or rejection response to implanted materials
Persistent pain, tightness, or redness at the incision sites or general pain
General erosion or local skin erosion over the IPG
Persistent pain, tightness, or discomfort around the implanted parts (e.g., along the extension path in the neck)
Impaired wound healing (e.g., incision site drainage) or abscess formation
Additional neurosurgical procedure to manage one of the above complications or to replace a malfunctioning component

- Stimulation-related complications or other complications

Worsening of motor impairment and Parkinson’s disease symptoms including dyskinesia, rigidity, akinesia or bradykinesia, myoclonus, motor fluctuations, abnormal gait or incoordination, ataxia, tremor, and dysphasia
Paresis, asthenia, hemiplegia, or hemiparesis
Dystonia
Sensory disturbance or impairment including neuropathy, neuralgia, sensory deficit, headache, and hearing and visual disturbance
Speech or language impairment including, aphasia, dysphagia, dysarthria, and hypophonia
Cognitive impairment including attention deficit, confusion, disorientation, abnormal thinking, hallucinations, amnesia, delusions, dementia, inability to act or make decisions, psychic akinesia, long term memory impairment, psychiatric disturbances, depression, irritability or fatigue, mania or hypomania, psychosis, aggression, emotional lability, sleep disturbance, anxiety, apathy, drowsiness, alteration of mentation, postural instability and disequilibrium
Restless leg syndrome
Supranuclear gaze palsy
Hypersexuality or increased libido
Decreased therapeutic response
Urinary incontinence or retention
Diarrhea or constipation
Cardiac dysfunction (e.g., hypotension, heart rate changes, or syncope)
Difficulty breathing
Increased salivation
Weight gain or loss
Eye disorder including eye apraxia or blepharospasm
Nausea or vomiting
Sweating
Fever
Hiccups
Cough
Cramp
Worsening existing medical conditions

Tweet me: NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic Brings Relief to Rural Town: Overwhelming hospital hallways and daunting distances fall before DBS and remote technology. https://bit.ly/3jRtVJE @AbbottNews

KEYWORDS: Abbott, NeuroSphere, rural town, NYSE:ABT