Surgical Procedures
51
RNS
®
System User Manual
Replacing the RNS
®
Neurostimulator with a Cranial Prosthesis
1. Using the programmer, disable detection and therapy.
2. Verify the position of the leads to avoid damaging the leads during incision.
3. Make an incision in the scalp at the neurostimulator location.
Note: It is not necessary to explant the implanted ferrule when replacing the
neurostimulator with a cranial prosthesis; however, the ferrule clamp may be
replaced.
4. Clear tissue and bone debris away from the area surrounding the neurostimulator and lead
strain relief implant area.
5. Remove the lead strain relief top from the neurostimulator.
6. Use the torque driver to loosen and remove the connector cover.
7. Using the torque driver, partially loosen the screw in the ferrule clamp and swivel 90 degrees
away from the neurostimulator to facilitate removal of the neurostimulator.
8. Remove the neurostimulator from the ferrule.
Note: Return the explanted neurostimulator and leads to NeuroPace. NeuroPace will
provide shipping containers if requested.
9. Remove the proximal lead ends from the connector cover.
Precaution: Lead Damage
Bending, kinking, and stretching of the lead may cause lead damage. Handle
the lead with care.
10. Flush the craniectomy and ferrule.
11. Place the cranial prosthesis in the ferrule.
12. Secure the cranial prosthesis to the ferrule by rotating the ferrule clamp into position over the
cranial prosthesis and tightening the ferrule clamp screw until the torque driver clicks.
13. Place proximal lead end(s) in a sub-galeal pocket.
14. Close the incision.
C
HANGING THE
L
EADS THAT ARE CONNECTED TO THE
N
EUROSTIMULATOR
This section provides instructions for changing which leads are connected to the RNS
®
Neurostimulator. The steps found in this section assume the leads are already implanted. In order to
change the lead connection, the lead(s) currently connected to the neurostimulator must first be
disconnected from the RNS
®
Neurostimulator.
Changing Lead connections
1. Using the programmer, disable detection and therapy.
2. Verify the position of the leads to avoid damaging the leads during incision. Verification can
be performed using prior x-ray or CT imaging.
3. Make an incision in the scalp at the incision line used for the initial neurostimulator implant.