DBS implantation
What does the surgery involve?
The implant procedure for a DBS system requires a short stay in
hospital. The surgery usually lasts no longer than 8 hours and
is done under general anaesthetic.
The physiotherapists will assess the child's range of movement
whilst they are under general anaesthetic to get a true picture of
any contractures or limited range of movement. This is important as
these will not be improved with DBS and there should be considered
for additional orthopaedic surgery.
The DBS device is placed in the upper part of the chest or
abdomen. There will be two wound sites - one on the scalp and
one on the upper chest/abdomen. Each wound will have a
dressing covering the stitches. Bruising around the wounds
post operatively is normal.
The child will go home after the neurosurgeons are happy, they
have been reviewed by the physiotherapists and they have made a
good recovery from the anaesthetic. Discharge is usually
approximately a few days after admission but can be longer.
Are there any post op
recommendations?
After surgery the child will experience some discomfort and
tenderness around the wound site. These should not require any
special care; however the surgeons may prescribe a course of
antibiotics to prevent any infections.
The team should be notified of any redness, swelling or soreness
at the site of the wounds. Headaches may also be experienced
during the first week after surgery. These can be relieved by using
painkillers but if they persist despite taking pain relief, it is
recommended to contact a member of the DBS team.
Activities should be restricted for a few weeks after surgery
until the device has time to settle. We are always available for
telephone or email advice following discharge.
Security and Device Precautions
The DBS system is a pacemaker-like device, it may interact with
other devices that generate electromagnetic energy or have strong
magnetism. These may include electrical equipment such as welding
machinery, microwave transmitters and power amplifiers, or
household appliances that contain magnets such as refrigerators,
stereo speakers or power tools.
At the airport
Airport security/screening devices such as theft detectors - for
example those use at entrances and exits of shops, libraries and
other public buildings, as well as airport security /screening may
cause uncomfortable increases in stimulation and may turn the
stimulator off by accident.
Recommendations
- Such devices should be bypassed if possible or pass as far from
the device as able.
- Security officers should carry out a manual search if one is
required.
- A hand held security wand may be used but thismust notbe placed
over the neurostimulator.
Important
The following devices should not be used:
- Diathermy treatment (use of high frequency electric current to
produce heat).
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unless specifically approved
by the system provided.
- Any therapy directed at the site of the implantation including
ultrasound, electrolysis, radiotherapy, electro surgery and
electromagnetism.
- Radiography that compresses the implantation area (other
radiographies are permitted).
- Ultrasound for dental cleaning
- Cardiac defibrillation
Caution
- Any medical treatment in which an electrical current will pass
through the body from an external source must be used with
caution.
- If a local anaesthetic is required for any reason; adrenalin
should be administered beforehand.
- People with DBS devices need prophylactic antibiotics for minor
procedures (such as dental work). The DBS may activate metal
detector alarms.
- It is recommended you carry your patient ID card at all
times.
