Drop Foot Stimulator is CE marked More>> FineTech exhibits at 'A Celebration of UK Engineering Research and Innovation' More>>
The FineTech-Brindley Bladder System. More>> |
 |
 |
On this page you will find some of the most commonly asked questions by people who are considering having the FineTech-Brindley Bladder Control System. For further advice you should consult your doctor. We hope that you find this page helpful and informative. 1) What are the criteria for receiving the FineTech-Brindley Bladder System? 3) What happens during surgery? 5) What happens right after surgery? 6) How soon after the surgery can I start using the Bladder System? 7) How much time will I have to spend in check-ups after the surgery? 8) What does the device feel like? 9) Is the implant noticeable to others? 10) Will the implant ever need to be replaced? 11) What are the chances that my body will reject the implant? What are the criteria for receiving the FineTech-Brindley 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:-
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. You will have general anaesthesia and will be asleep during the 4 - 8 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. 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 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. 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. As with any surgery, there are risks involved and your doctor will discuss them with you.
|
 |
|
 |
  |
 |