Surgical Procedures
50
RNS
®
System User Manual
20. Place the connector cover on the neurostimulator and then loosely attach it to the
neurostimulator using the torque driver. Ensure that the leads remain completely inserted in
the connector cover.
Note: DO NOT use any tools other than the torque driver provided to secure the connector
cover in place.
21. Fully attach the connector cover to the neurostimulator by screwing the cover in until the
torque driver clicks.
22. Place the lead strain relief over the proximal ends of the leads extending from the connector
cover.
23. If using only one lead, be sure to place a connector plug in the vacant connector cover port.
24. Use the lead caps (provided) to cap the proximal ends of any unconnected leads. Secure the
lead caps with a suture if desired.
25. Situate all capped, unconnected leads adjacent to the neurostimulator to facilitate easy
connection to the neurostimulator in the future.
26. Place any excess lead length in a sub-galeal pocket near the craniectomy, away from the
incision line.
Note: Leave sufficient slack in the lead adjacent to skull fixation points to relieve stress on
the lead.
27. Cover the wand with a sterile bag and position it over the neurostimulator.
28. Program the new neurostimulator with the same settings as the explanted neurostimulator.
29. View real-time ECoG signals on the
R
EAL
-T
IME
EC
O
G
S
tab (under
R
EVIEW
D
ATA
tab) and
measure lead impedance(s) (under
M
EASUREMENTS
tab) to ensure proper connection
between the neurostimulator and the leads. If impedance measurements are abnormal or
real-time ECoG signals are not adequate, remove the connector cover and flush the
connector area. Fully reinsert the leads into the connector cover and repeat the impedance
measurements. Refer to
section if impedance measurements remain
abnormal.
30. Close the incision.
31. After the incision closure, interrogate the neurostimulator again using the programmer.
Confirm that the impedance measurements and real-time ECoG signals are normal.
Note: It is common for the neurostimulator to reset if electrocautery is used near the
neurostimulator or leads. To recover from a neurostimulator reset, perform the
following:
1. Document all error messages.
2. Proceed with the interrogation.
3. Go to the
P
ROGRAM
S
ETTINGS
tab and select program.
4. Synchronize the programmer with PDMS (post-operatively).
5. If problems persist, refer to the
section of this manual.