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
    • ?3-12 months or longer
  • Altering stimulation parameters