title: Clinical experience with a helical bipolar stimulating lead.
abstract: Over 100 patients have been treated for partial epilepsy using a NeuroCybernetic Prosthesis System (NCP). The NCP System is comprised of an implantable pulse generator, an implantable bipolar stimulating lead, and an external communication system. The lead delivers electrical impulses from the NCP Generator to the vagus nerve, and includes a connector end that plugs into the generator, a silicone insulated lead body, and the helical electrode array that attaches to the nerve. The surgical implantation technique has a significant impact on lead reliability and performance. The lead electrode has performed well to date. Modifications to further improve reliability have been implemented. Clinical experience, case history examples, and voltage measurements are examined. The lead electrode is an important component of the overall system and plays a significant part in the success of vagus nerve stimulation therapy.
authors.affiliation: Cyberonics, Inc., Webster, Texas 77598-4135.
authors.forename: W B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Tarver
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Maschino
authors.forename: L K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Holder
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Wernicke
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000628:therapy*; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery