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from diathermy can be transferred through the implanted system and cause ssue damage at the locaon
of the implanted electrodes, resulng in severe injury or death.
Diathermy is further prohibited because it may also damage the neurosmulaon system components. This
damage could result in loss of therapy, requiring addional surgery for system implantaon and
replacement. Injury or damage can occur during diathermy treatment whether the neurosmulaon system
is turned on or o.
Explosive or ammable gases. Do not use the smulator in an environment where explosive or ammable
gas fumes or vapors are present, including hyperbaric chambers. The operaon of the smulator could
cause them to ignite, causing severe burns, injury or death.
Electrosurgery devices. Electrosurgery devices should not be used in close proximity to an implanted
neurosmulaon device. Contact between an acve electrode and an implanted lead or extension can
cause direct smulaon of the ssue at the electrode site and cause severe injury to the paent. If use of
electrocautery is necessary, rst turn o the neurosmulaon system.
Implanted cardiac systems. Physicians need to be aware of the risk and possible interacon between a
neurosmulaon system and an implanted cardiac system, such as a pacemaker or debrillator. Electrical
pulses from a neurosmulaon system may interact with the sensing operaon 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 neurosmulaon system, (1) maximize the distance between the
implanted systems; (2) verify that the neurosmulaon system is not interfering with the funcons 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 neurosmulaon system sengs that interfere with the funcon of the
implantable cardiac system.
Magnec resonance imaging (MRI). Paents with an EPG should not be subjected to MRI. Even if the leads
are removed the paent should not have an MRI if any part of a lead is sll implanted.
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