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Vagus nerve stimulator implantation in children
Daniel J Kirse1, Andreas H Werle, Jerome V Murphy
1Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, USA.
Insights
Vagus nerve stimulator implantation for refractory seizures is safe, with few serious complications. Most patients report improved quality of life, though some experience temporary hoarseness after vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) implantation.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Epilepsy Management
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) approved in 1997 for refractory partial-onset seizures.
- Limited studies address perioperative management of VNS implantation.
- VNS is an adjunctive therapy for epilepsy.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review the operative technique for vagus nerve stimulator implantation.
- Analyze perioperative management strategies.
- Evaluate complications and quality-of-life outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 102 patients (21 months to 40 years) undergoing VNS implantation.
- Detailed description of surgical technique and lead placement.
- Patient survey on quality of life, swallowing, and voice.
Main Results:
- Successful VNS implantation in all 102 patients.
- Low incidence of serious complications (3 infections requiring explantation/reimplantation).
- Most patients experienced transient hoarseness; quality of life generally improved.
Conclusions:
- Vagus nerve stimulator implantation demonstrates a low rate of serious complications.
- VNS implantation appears to enhance patient quality of life.
- Surgical technique modifications may be necessary for pediatric patients.
Background:
Vagus nerve stimulation was approved in 1997 as an adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures refractory to medical therapy. Subsequent to the initial clinical trials, few studies have been published specifically addressing perioperative management issues.
Objectives:
To review the operative technique and perioperative management of patients undergoing vagus nerve stimulator implantation and to analyze complications and their management.
Design:
Retrospective medical record review and survey of patients who underwent implantation.
Setting:
A tertiary care pediatric hospital in Kansas City, Mo.
Patients:
One hundred two patients aged 21 months to 40 years.
Intervention:
Vagus nerve stimulator implantation and lead placement.
Main Outcome Measures:
The surgical technique of vagus nerve stimulator implantation is presented in detail. Perioperative complications are enumerated, and strategies for their management are described. A subjective patient survey addresses some quality-of-life issues and the effect on swallowing and voice.
Results:
One hundred two patients successfully underwent vagus nerve stimulator implantation. Three patients experienced infection of the chest wound holding the generator and required explantation. These 3 patients underwent reimplantation within 2 months after the infection had cleared. Most patients experience some degree of hoarseness when the generator is activated, but this symptom usually does not significantly affect the ability to communicate. Responses to questions regarding quality of life are positive.
Conclusions:
Vagus nerve stimulator implantation has a low incidence of serious complications. Quality of life seems to be improved for most patients. Modifications to the surgical procedure must be considered when performing the implantation on a young patient.
