Neuropace RNS System - Connecting the Rns Neurostimulator to the Implanted Lead ( S )

Surgical Procedures 44
RNS
®
System User Manual
CONNECTING THE RNS
®
NEUROSTIMULATOR TO THE IMPLANTED LEAD(S)
Tunneling with the Tunneling Tool
1. Remove the temporary cover from the end of the tunneling tool (with tip remaining on the
opposite end of the cover).
2. Slide the tunneling tool through the tunneling tool straw.
3. Using the temporary cover as an anchor, screw the tunneling tool tip to the end of the
tunneling tool.
4. Remove the temporary cover from the tunneling tool tip.
Note: The tunneling tool may be bent to the desired angle.
5. Using the tunneling tool, tunnel under the scalp from the neurostimulator implant site to the
lead burr hole.
Figure 13: The tunneling tool is used to tunnel the lead under the scalp from the burr hole to the craniectomy.
Advance the tunneling tool under the scalp until the tunneling tool tip exits near the burr hole.
6. Once the tool has exited the burr hole, unscrew and remove the tip.
7. Slide the tunneling tool handle out from the tunneling tool straw, leaving the straw in place.
Note: The tunneling tool straw may be clipped to a shorter length if desired.
8. Gently slide the proximal end of the lead into the tunneling tool straw.
9. Advance the lead from the burr hole to the craniectomy, allowing the proximal lead contacts
and lead body to extend from the craniectomy.
10. Remove the tunneling tool straw.
Note: Leave sufficient slack in the lead adjacent to skull fixation points to relieve stress on the lead.
Tunneling with Other Tools
1. Using blunt dissection, create a channel between the lead and neurostimulator positions.
2. Pass the lead under the scalp using the tunneling tool straw (provided).
Note: The tunneling tool straw may be clipped to a shorter length if desired.
3. Gently slide the proximal end of the lead into the tunneling tool straw.