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Definition of Implanted Neurological Device Abandonment: A Systematic Review and Consensus Statement
Michael S Okun1,2, Timothy Marjenin3, Jinendra Ekanayake4,5,6
1Department of Neurology, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, Gainesville, Florida.
JAMA Network Open
|April 30, 2024
Summary
A formal definition for neurological device abandonment was developed to prevent patient harm. This definition includes consent, ongoing support, and safety, aiming to improve care for patients with neurotechnological devices.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Ethics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Neurological device abandonment poses risks to patients.
- A clear definition is needed to guide clinical practice and research.
- Current understanding of abandonment lacks standardization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review literature on neurological device abandonment.
- To develop an expert consensus definition for neurological device abandonment.
- To establish standardized terminology for implantable neurotechnological devices.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of PubMed for neurological device abandonment.
- Convening an expert consensus group (physicians, scientists, ethicists, stakeholders).
- Synthesizing literature findings with expert experience and ethical considerations.
Main Results:
- Identified 7 relevant articles from 734 initial search results.
- Developed an operational definition for abandonment of active implantable neurotechnological devices.
- Addressed abandonment in research trials and device shelving contexts.
Conclusions:
- Neurological device abandonment definition includes breaches in consent, support, and safety.
- Abandonment in research trials is context-dependent.
- Standardized definition aims to improve patient safety and device management.

