Question: What will I need to carry with me at all times after the operation? Rev. 03/03
Answer: Post Surgery Essentials Kit
A bag containing items that are necessary whether for a car ride to the local mall or an inter-continental plane ride should contain:
Magnet?one of the two you were given after surgery should be in the bag and the other should be in a safe place at home. This magnet is used to turn the stimulators on and off.
Cautions:
· Credit and Debit Cards-- The hand-held magnet--which turns the system on and off--can erase encoded information on credit and debit cards. Individuals are advised to keep the magnet approximately 6" away from these cards. A small instruction card with complete directions and precautions will be given to the patient after the system is programmed.
· Electronic Hardware-- It is possible that the magnet could erase information on computer hard disks, CDs, and videocassettes, so it is best to keep the magnet away from these items.
· Electrical Devices-- Most of the electrical devices people are around in a normal day will not harm the system. This includes household appliances, computers, office machines, cellular phones, and personal radios. If the neurostimulator comes within inches of small permanent magnets (such as stereo speakers, radios, telephones, magnet therapy products, shoe magnets and refrigerator-door magnets) the neurostimulator could be turned on or off.
· Security Screening Devices?This system may interact with certain types of devices that generate electromagnetic energy. Theft detectors and airport/security screening devices may have enough electromagnetic energy to cause uncomfortable increases in stimulation, and it is best to avoid them if possible. Patients are advised to use care when approaching these devices. Product labeling (packaged with the product) contains detailed instructions for patients when approaching theft detectors and airport security screening devices.
· Other-- Other devices may have enough magnetic field strength to turn the neurostimulator on or off and should be approached carefully. These include: large stereo speakers with magnets, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) equipment manufacturing and heavy industrial equipment; electric arc welding equipment; electric induction heaters used in industry to bend plastic; electric steel furnaces; power lines; and electric substations and power generators.
Medtronic ID cards?one for each implant. This paper is enclosed in the box that contains your implant. Your doctor will register you and you will then receive the cards by mail. This card should be carried at all times. In the event of an accident, the card will tell those in attendance that a person has an implanted medical device. It supplies basic information about the neurostimulator and identifies the patient's doctor.
Patients may present the ID card when moving through or near security devices (such as those in stores or airports) that may interfere with the neurostimulator.
In addition, this card ensures Medtronic will contact you directly with any new information or safety alerts.
An inexpensive AM radio: Tune it to where you receive the most static and slowly scan each side of your body from the top your head to the imbedded IPG. If the static becomes one continuous tone, you know your implants are functioning.
Pictorial representation (see www.medtronic.com) of implants and leads to take with you when you visit other medical providers. Included with it should be a descriptive paragraph about the hardware. Remember the test results of such tests as MRI, mammograms; EKG, EEG, etc. could be skewed by your implants. Make sure your provider is aware of your condition.
Cautions:
The following procedures may affect your system:
· Diathermy provides optional treatments for the following purposes:
o relieve pain, stiffness and muscle spasms
o reduce joint contractures
o reduce swelling and pain after surgery
o promote wound healing
This may affect the neurostimulator output and/or damage its electronics. Diathermy's energy can be transferred through the implanted system that can cause tissue damage and can result in severe injury or death.
· Therapeutic ultrasound, electrolysis, radiation therapy, and electrocautery also should not be used directly over the implant site.
· Diagnostic x-rays do not cause a problem, but some, such as mammograms, that require tight enclosure of the area where your neurostimulator is implanted, may require additional adjustment of the x-ray equipment.
· Tell your dentist where your neurostimulator is implanted, so he or she can take precautions with dental drills and ultrasonic probes used to clean your teeth. These devices should not be used directly over the implant site.
· Some Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures are safe, but there are risks. Patients are advised to tell physicians who may not know of their implanted system before undergoing MRI.
· The electrical discharges from defibrillators may damage the neurostimulator electronics.
· In the event of patient death, the neurostimulator must be removed prior to cremation.
Take all necessary medications and a timer with you everywhere you go.
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