| Finetech-Brindley (VOCARE) Bladder
System |
|
What are
the criteria for receiving the Finetech-Brindley
(VOCARE) Bladder System? |
|
Candidates for the System are individuals who
have a clinically complete spinal cord injury with
resulting paraplegia or quadriplegia. The following list
includes some of the guidelines for the device:-
- Skeletally mature
- Clinically compete spinal cored lesion
- Neurologically stable
- Intact reflex bladder contractions
|
| How could the Bladder System help me?
|
| The
Bladder System is designed to allow the user to empty
the bladder when appropriate and, after voiding the
bladder, to have a low residual volume of urine. The
system may also assist with evacuation of the
bowels. |
| How long does it take to get ready for
surgery, have a system implanted, and be comfortable
using the system? |
| It
depends on you and your schedule. The pre-operative
testing takes two to three days, usually as an
outpatient, over a period of several weeks. Typically,
you will be discharged in four to five days after the
surgery with a functioning device. Follow-up visits may
be required for post-surgical check-ups, and adjustments
to the external controller. |
| What happens during surgery? |
| You
will have general anaesthesia and will be asleep during
the 6-12 hour procedure. You will typically have two
incisions on your back and smaller incisions on your
side and abdomen (approximately four in all). At the
lower end of the spine, the surgeon will perform a
posterior rhizotomy (the surgical cutting of spinal
nerve roots to prevent reflex incontinence) and then
place flexible electrodes on the nerves that run to the
bladder. The electrodes are connected by thin wiring to
an implantable receiver-stimulator under the skin of the
abdomen. |
| Is the surgery painful? |
| Any
level of discomfort depends upon your level of
sensation. You may feel some slight discomfort while
your body heals from the surgery. You may have a
headache for a few days due to the spinal surgery. Your
doctor can prescribe pain medication if it is
appropriate. |
| What happens right after surgery?
|
| You
will probably stay in bed for two to three days after
the surgery or until you can sit up without any
discomfort. The Bladder System will then be tested and
programmed by your doctor. You should be able to use the
device for a few days before leaving the hospital. You
may expect to be discharged four to five days after
surgery barring any unforeseen
complications. |
| How soon after the surgery can I start using
the Bladder System? |
| You
should be able to use the VOCARE Bladder System about
three to four days after the surgery. Your doctor will
test and adjust the device (a two to three hour task)
approximately three days after the surgery. You will be
able to start using the implant after the initial tests
and adjustments. |
| How much time will I have to spend in
check-ups after the surgery? |
| During the first few weeks after surgery your
doctor will keep in close touch with you as an
outpatient to check that the device is working properly.
Typically, you will see your doctor 3 months after
surgery and annually thereafter. |
| What does the device feel like?
|
| You
may notice a slight sensation when you use the device.
Stimulation may also cause movement of the muscles of
the lower extremities when you use the Bladder
System. |
| Is the implant noticeable to others?
|
| Generally not. The implantable
receiver-stimulator is usually located in the abdomen
below the ribs under the skin. In thin people, a slight
lump might be noticeable. The implant is usually not
noticeable to people with average to heavy
builds. |
| What precautions will I need to take with the
Bladder System? |
| The
external components are manufactured with durable
materials, however, they need to be protected from water
and physical abuse. |
| Will the implant ever need to be
replaced? |
| The
implanted components of the Bladder System do not have
batteries and have been designed to last for several
years. Based on many years of field experience, the
Bladder System has proven to be very
reliable. |
| What are the chances that my body will reject
the implant? |
| Very minimal. The materials used in the Bladder
System are inert and are materials that have been
successfully used in implants for many
years. |
| What are the risks? |
| As
with any surgery, there are risks involved and your
doctor will discuss them with you. However, the risks
involved in the procedure to implant the Bladder System
are similar to those associated with other
implants. |
| What is the cost? |
| The
cost of the surgery, hospitalisation and device vary
depending on where your surgery is performed. Each site
will work closely with you and your medical insurance
carrier to determine exactly what benefits will be
provided. If insurance benefits are not available, the
site will assist you to identify and alternative funding
sources. |
| Is the Bladder System right for me?
|
| As
with any surgery, there are many considerations
involved. We encourage you to investigate the Bladder
System as well as alternative methods of treatment,
which may be suitable for you. Please discuss this with
your physician, family members and
caregivers. |
| What do I do next? |
| Learn as much as you can so that you are
comfortable making a decision. Talk with family and
friends, and with your doctor. You may find it helpful
to talk with someone who has received the Bladder
System. Please ask your site to help you get in touch
with a recipient for confidential
conversation. |
