Atrotech Atrostim PNS Anwenderhandbuch Seite 11

Surgical procedure
1. The adult (Fig. 2), or pediatric (Fig. 3) electrode, which is
implanted onto the phrenic nerve. It consists of two joined strips of
Teflon
contacts is made of platinum. Two platinum electrode buttons are
mounted into each strip. The strips cross the nerve at opposite sides
at a certain distance from each other in longitudinal direction. The
electrode wire lead consists of four multifilament stainless steel
wires, which are insulated by a 4-lumen tube made of silicon
elastomer. The wires are attached to the ears of the electrode
buttons. The difference between the two electrodes is in the size of
the platinum buttons and the Teflon
The four-pole electrodes are implanted onto the phrenic nerves
preferably in the thorax.
2. The extension lead (Fig. 4) is used together with a pediatric
electrode. The four-fold wire lead is the same as in the adult
electrode. It has a plug at one and a receptacle at the other end.
The receptacle fits to its electrode counterpart in the thorax.
3. The compound connector (Fig. 5) for the four-fold wire lead which
connects the nerve electrode to the implant stimulator. Connector
elements of the receptacle are made of stainless steel. The connector
array is molded into a flat sleeve of silicon elastomer, which supports
the array. The electrode wires are attached to male type connectors
made of titanium, which are insulated by silicon rubber.
The plug/receptacle system forms a water tight insulation, which
prevents creation of any electrolytic pathway between the connectors
and from the connectors to outside tissue. No special tool or
additional material is required for plugging or unplugging of the
connectors.
4. The implant stimulator (Fig. 6), which is implanted under the skin.
It consists of a hermetically sealed hybrid microcircuit, an
external pick-up coil and a 4-contact wire lead receptacle. The
stimulator capsule is made of titanium and is completely coated with
implant grade silicon elastomer. The stimulators are usually
implanted in the subclavicular region, or, in patients with little
subcutaneous tissue, anterolaterally over the lower ribs.
5. The energy transfer coil (Fig. 7), which is placed on the skin
of the patient as close as possible to the implant stimulator.
TM
fabric. The conductive surface of each of the four nerve
TM
fabric matrix.
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Atrostim PNS
April 2008