VNS: Programmer
Programming Wand:
- The Model 200 NCP Programming
Wand is used with the Model 250 NCP Programming Software installed
on an IBM-compatible personal computer to activate, program,
reprogram and interrogate the NCP Generator. The programming
software is provided to the user on a 3.5-inch floppy disk. Capabilities
include revision of the programmable parameters of the Generator,
retrieval of telemetry data, and resetting of the Generator's
microprocessor.
- The programming wand converts
the digital output from a personal computer to the radio-frequency
required for communication with the Pulse Generator and vice
versa. The wand receives and sends signals to the personal computer
via a cable connected to the wand by a phone plug and to the
computer by a standard serial connector. Two standard 9-volt
alkaline batteries power the wand.
- To communicate with the Pulse
Generator, position the programming head of the Programming Wand
directly over the center of either flat surface of the Pulse
Generator. Successful programming and communication are most
likely if the surface of the programming head is within one inch
of either of the flat surfaces of the VNS Pulse Generator.
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:
- POWER SOURCE: Two standard 9-vold
alkaline batteries.
- DIMENSIONS:
- Housing:
19.1 cm x 10.2 cm x 3.3 cm
- Programming Head Cover: 6.9 cm x 6.9 cm c 3.2 cm
- Weight: 638 grams
- Housing Material: ABS Plastic
- Communication Range: 1 inch
- Cable: 5-foot Cord (extendable
to 9 feet)
Programming Software:
- Screen Image
- The Model 250 NCP Programming
Software is a computer program which permits communication with
an implanted NCP Generator. The Programming Software is menu-driven
and uses on-screen messages and prompts to assist the operator
in using the system. Whenever the Programming Software is initialized,
a self test is automatically run on the Software to verify checksum,
file lengths, and file names. The programmed parameters and operational
status can be interrogated. One or more parameters can be programmed
at one time, and the programmed values are verified and displayed.
The NCP Programming System employs a strict communications protocol
designed to minimize the possibility of "phantom" programming
(i.e., inadvertent programming via environmental sources of electromagnetic
interference or partial programming of a parameter).
- Therapy:
- The Model 100 NCP Pulse Generator
has a number of programmable settings which allow a physician
to optimize the treatment for a patient. Those settings include
pulse width, output current, signal frequency, signal ON time,
signal OFF time, magnet-activated ON time, magnet-activated pulse
width and magnet-activated output current. Cyberonics provides
a magnet that may be used to either manually initiate stimulation
or to turn OFF the device.
- Diagnostic and safety
characteristics:
- The Model 100 NCP Pulse Generator
has telemetry capability which supplies information about its
operating characteristics, such as parameter settings, Lead impedance
and history of magnet use. The Generator has a number of characteristics
intended to enhance operational reliability and safety, such
as electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter capacitors, a series
battery resistor to limit temperature rise in the event of short
circuit, defibrillation protection diodes, direct current-blocking
capacitors on both Leads that prevent direct current (DC) from
being applied to the patient, a software watchdog timer to prevent
continuous stimulation, and protection against voltage dips on
the battery that could disrupt microprocessor memory.
- Automatic
and On-Demand Therapy:
- Your doctor will
use a special wand to "talk" to the NCP System inside
the chest and to program a 24-hour a day, 7 day a week "dose"
of periodic stimulation.
- The NCP System
delivers VNS therapy in two ways. First, your doctor will program
a 24-hour a day, 7 day a week "dose" of periodic stimulation.
One such dose frequently used by physicians is 30 seconds of
stimulation followed by a five-minute period of no stimulation.
The stimulation is automatically delivered (you don't have to
"take" anything) until your physician reprograms the
generator or the battery runs out. The second way VNS therapy
is delivered is when you, a family member or a caregiver senses
a seizure coming on and passes the NCP magnet over the area in
the chest where the generator is implanted to activate an extra,
on-demand stimulation.
- Trials currently in progress are
examining details of different stimulation frequencies and settings,
in an effort to rigorously establish guidelines for most efficacious
seizure control.
- VNS Program: Outpatient
Follow-up
- Initiate stimulation at lowest
levels
- 1 - 2 weeks post-op
- (0.5 mA output current, 30 seconds
on, 5 minutes off)
- Gradually increase stimulation
as tolerated every 1-2 weeks to target of 1.5-2.0 mA
- Monitor for possible adverse effects
- Guidance regarding magnet use
- Length of time to optimal effect
- Altering stimulation parameters
