I've posted this elsewhere, but I thought this title would help bring it to the attention of those who need it.
Medtronic guidance on electrocautery has changed since my implantation. Call & ask them for the latest information & they'll send you a whole .pdf on different precautions.
Here’s a little piece of what Medtronic sent me:
Electrocautery
If electrocautery tools are used near an implanted neurostimulator or make contact with a neurostimulator, the following effects can occur:
The insulation on the lead or extension can be damaged, which can cause the lead or extension to fail or to induce currents that damage tissue or stimulate or shock the patient.
The neurostimulator can be damaged causing stimulation to temporarily decrease or increase.
The neurostimulator can be turned Off by resetting the device to power-on-reset values (requiring the neurostimulator to be reprogrammed).
If electrocautery is necessary, these precautions must be followed:
Turn Off the neurostimulator before using electrocautery.
Use bipolar cautery.
Use only low-voltage modes if unipolar cautery is necessary.
Use the lowest possible power setting.
Place the current path (ground plate) as far away as possible from the neurostimulator, extension (if applicable), and lead.
Do not use full-length operating-room-table grounding pads.
After electrocautery, a trained InterStim Therapy clinician should confirm that the neurostimulator is working as intended.
Medtronic guidance on electrocautery has changed since my implantation. Call & ask them for the latest information & they'll send you a whole .pdf on different precautions.
Here’s a little piece of what Medtronic sent me:
Electrocautery
If electrocautery tools are used near an implanted neurostimulator or make contact with a neurostimulator, the following effects can occur:
The insulation on the lead or extension can be damaged, which can cause the lead or extension to fail or to induce currents that damage tissue or stimulate or shock the patient.
The neurostimulator can be damaged causing stimulation to temporarily decrease or increase.
The neurostimulator can be turned Off by resetting the device to power-on-reset values (requiring the neurostimulator to be reprogrammed).
If electrocautery is necessary, these precautions must be followed:
Turn Off the neurostimulator before using electrocautery.
Use bipolar cautery.
Use only low-voltage modes if unipolar cautery is necessary.
Use the lowest possible power setting.
Place the current path (ground plate) as far away as possible from the neurostimulator, extension (if applicable), and lead.
Do not use full-length operating-room-table grounding pads.
After electrocautery, a trained InterStim Therapy clinician should confirm that the neurostimulator is working as intended.
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