Rechargeable implantable pulse generator
Rechargeable implantable pulse generators (r-IPGs) for deep brain stimulation (DBS) promise longer battery life and fewer replacement surgeries versus non-rechargeable systems.
Patients with psychiatric disorders rated the recharging process as “easy”, but with a significantly higher charge burden and usage-related complication rates compared to published data on movement disorder DBS patients 1).
They have been available for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) claiming to offer a longer service life but demanding continuous monitoring and regular recharging by the patients. The aim of a study (DRKS00021281; Apr 7th, 2020) was to assess the convenience, safety, and acceptance of r-IPGs and their effect on patient lives under long-term therapy. Standardized questionnaires were sent to all chronic pain patients with an r-IPG at the time of trial. The primary endpoint was the overall convenience of the charging process on an ordinal scale from “very hard” (1 point) to “very easy” (5 points). Secondary endpoints were charge burden (min/week), rates of user confidence, and complications (failed recharges, interruptions of therapy). Endpoints were analyzed for several subgroups. Data sets n = 40 (42% return rate) were eligible for analysis. Patient age was 57.2 ± 12.6 (mean ± standard deviation) years with the r-IPG being implanted for 52.1 ± 32.6 months. The overall convenience of recharging was evaluated as “easy” (4 points). The charge burden was 112.7 ± 139 min/week. 92% of the patients felt confident recharging the neurostimulator. 37.5% of patients reported failed recharges. 28.9% of patients experienced unintended interruptions of stimulation. Subgroup analysis only showed a significant impact on overall convenience for different models of stimulators (p < 0.05). Overall, SCS patients feel confident handling an r-IPG at high rates of convenience and acceptable effort despite high rates of usage-related complications. Further technical improvements for r-IPGs are needed 2).