Atrotech Atrostim PNS Anwenderhandbuch Seite 24

Atrostim PNS Surgical procedure
7 WIRE LEAD TUNNELING
Using a tunneling tool a subcutaneous tunnel is created from the site where the wire
lead exits the thorax to an implant stimulator pocket. Plug a shield cap over the
electrode connector. Grasp the free end of the shield cap with forceps or pass a suture
through it, Fig. 10. Do not compress the connector portion of the cap. Draw the
electrode wire lead laterally until it exits through the tunnel. Remove the tool and
keep it available for the other side.
electrode connector (male)
forceps inserted through a tunnel
Fig. 10. Using the shield cap.
The wires are then connected to the implant stimulator. At this stage functioning of
the whole system should be tested a final time before closure.
When the pediatric electrode with an extension lead is used, 5 cm of cable from the
electrode to the compound connector and the connector itself, together about 8 cm of
length, are left inside the thorax. This wire lead system has been especially designed
for active pediatric patients. The compound connector is left inside the thorax to
protect the electrode side of the plug from mechanical stress.
15
April 2008