Thoracic surgery in patients with an implanted neurostimulator device

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Device Technology
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Deep brain stimulators (DBS) are utilized for managing movement disorders like Parkinson's disease.
• Thoracic surgical procedures pose potential risks to implanted DBS devices due to electromagnetic interference.
• Monopolar electrocautery, a common surgical tool, can cause DBS device dysfunction or thermal brain injury.

Observation:

• This study reports on 3 patients with existing DBS implants who required thoracic surgery.
• The surgical team implemented specific protocols to mitigate risks associated with DBS during the procedures.

Findings:

• All 3 patients successfully underwent thoracic surgery without adverse events related to their DBS devices.
• Pre-operative deactivation of the DBS systems and the avoidance of monopolar electrocautery were key to preventing electromagnetic interactions.
• No device dysfunction or neurological complications were observed in the post-operative period.

Implications:

• These findings suggest a safe management strategy for patients with DBS requiring thoracic surgery.
• Implementing device deactivation and cautery avoidance protocols can minimize risks associated with electromagnetic interference.
• This approach ensures patient safety and preserves the therapeutic benefits of DBS therapy during necessary surgical interventions.