Patient Essentials. PATIENT S MANUAL for Heart Failure. June 2017

Transcription

1 Patient Essentials PATIENT S MANUAL for Heart Failure June 2017 This Patient s Manual is a supplement to the physician s manuals. It is not intended to substitute for advice from your doctor. For a complete discussion of indications for use, contraindications, precautions, warnings, and potential side effects, talk to your doctor. Talk with your doctor about: How this device is used How it should not be used Safety measures Warnings Side effects Your doctor s phone number:

2 LivaNova, PLC, London, UK All rights reserved. LivaNova is a registered United States trademark of LivaNova, PLC. VITARIA is a registered United States trademark of LivaNova USA, Inc. Corresponding foreign trademarks may also be registered or pending. The year of authorization to affix the CE mark: ii /3 (OUS)

3 Table of Contents 1 GLOSSARY INTRODUCTION TO AUTONOMIC REGULATION THERAPY (ART) THE VITARIA SYSTEM Implantable Parts Nonimplantable Parts PATIENT TIPS WHO USES AUTONOMIC REGULATION THERAPY? Indication for Use Contraindications (When ART Should Not Be Used) WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Warnings MRI Warnings Precautions Environmental Hazards Medical Hazards Interference with Other Devices ADVERSE EVENTS Side Effects BENEFITS OF AUTONOMIC REGULATION THERAPY TO HAVE THE DEVICE IMPLANTED Surgery (Operation) Follow Up After Surgery Programming Stimulation /3 (OUS) iii

4 10 THE LIVANOVA MAGNETS How to Handle the LivaNova Magnets Magnet Styles When and How to Use Your LivaNova Magnets How the Magnets Work Know your Magnets How to Replace the LivaNova Magnets OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR VITARIA SYSTEM Surgery Pulse Generator Malfunction (Device not Working Right) Battery Depletion Manipulation of the Pulse Generator and Lead LIVANOVA PATIENT WARRANTY AND SAFETY LISTING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CONTACT INFORMATION iv /3 (OUS)

5 List of Figures FIGURE 1IMPLANTABLE PARTS OF THE VITARIA SYSTEM FIGURE 2THE LIVANOVA MAGNETS FIGURE 3MAGNET USED TO STOP STIMULATION /3 (OUS) v

6 vi /3 (OUS)

7 1 GLOSSARY These terms are used in this manual. adjunctive therapy Additional, add-on; autonomic regulation therapy (ART) is additional therapy that is added on to other treatments for heart failure adverse events Complications and side effects ART Autonomic regulation therapy electrodes Part of the VITARIA lead that transfers electrical current to the vagus nerve lead VITARIA lead; small flexible insulated wire that connects the VITARIA pulse generator to the vagus nerve LivaNova Company that makes the VITARIA System MR Magnetic resonance /3 (OUS) 1

8 MR Conditional An item that has been demonstrated to pose no known hazards in a specified MR environment with specified conditions of use MR Unsafe An item that poses hazards in all MRI environments MRI Magnetic resonance imaging programming wand An instrument that is part of the VITARIA System; used to check or change device settings programming system Non-implantable parts of the VITARIA System used to program the pulse generator; consists of a computer, software and a wand pulse generator VITARIA System device implanted in the patient s chest; holds the battery and electronics that deliver stimulation to the vagus nerve through the VITARIA lead reed switch A mechanism that works like a gate. When the magnet closes it, the normal signal /3 (OUS)

9 (stimulation) cannot pass; the pulse generator is temporarily turned OFF stimulate Send electrical signal; the VITARIA System sends an electrical signal through the lead to the vagus nerve stimulation The electrical signal that is sent from the pulse generator to the vagus nerve vagus nerve A nerve that extends from the brain through the neck to the major organs (e.g., heart, lungs, and stomach, etc.) in the torso vagus nerve stimulation The electrical signal sent from the pulse generator to the vagus nerve VITARIA System All of the parts that provide autonomic regulation therapy (ART): pulse generator, lead, programming wand, programming computer, programming software, and magnets /3 (OUS) 3

10 2 INTRODUCTION TO AUTONOMIC REGULATION THERAPY (ART) Many people have heart failure. Through the years, doctors and scientists have learned much about heart failure. They have developed drugs and other treatments. Despite these treatments, many people still have heart failure symptoms, such as fatigue and shortness of breath. Your doctor has prescribed the VITARIA System for you to improve your heart's pumping ability. The VITARIA System sends a mild electrical impulse to a nerve that goes from the brain to the heart. This nerve is called the vagus nerve. The treatment is called autonomic regulation therapy (ART) /3 (OUS)

11 3 THE VITARIA SYSTEM The VITARIA System has several implantable and nonimplantable parts. 3.1 Implantable Parts VITARIA pulse generator VITARIA lead Figure 1 Implantable Parts of the VITARIA System B A A Lead B Vagus Nerve C Lead D Pulse Generator D C Pulse generator The main part is the pulse generator, sometimes called a stimulator. Similar to cardiac pacemakers, which have been used since 1958 to control heart problems, the pulse /3 (OUS) 5

12 generator is computer-controlled and batterypowered. It sends signals through the electrodes of the lead to the heart and brain by way of the vagus nerve Lead The lead connects the pulse generator to the vagus nerve. It is a wire with electrodes that attach to the vagus nerve and a connector that plugs into the pulse generator Placement of the pulse generator and lead The pulse generator is placed under the skin of the upper chest. The lead is attached to the vagus nerve on the left or right side of the neck, and runs under the skin to connect to the pulse generator. A surgeon implants the pulse generator and lead during an operation that typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours Stimulation settings The pulse generator has several settings. Your doctor will choose the settings (e.g., 14 seconds ON and 1.1 minutes OFF). He or she can change the periodic stimulation at any time with the programming system. Most of the time, changing the VITARIA System settings is a simple and comfortable procedure, takes only a few minutes, and can be done in the doctor s office /3 (OUS)

13 3.1.5 Pulse generator life The battery in the pulse generator, when programmed to recommended settings, can last from 5-7 years. The lifespan depends on these factors: Settings your doctor chooses Note: See Battery Depletion on page 35. Interaction of the lead and vagus nerve over time When the battery in your pulse generator runs out, the pulse generator must be replaced in order for you to continue to receive ART. This requires an additional surgical procedure. The operation involves anesthesia and generally takes less than an hour to complete. 3.2 Nonimplantable Parts VITARIA programming system LivaNova magnet VITARIA programming system The programming system consists of a computer, software and a wand to program the VITARIA pulse generator. Note: See The LivaNova Magnets on page LivaNova magnet LivaNova provides a magnet for you to stop stimulation when needed /3 (OUS) 7

14 4 PATIENT TIPS These tips provide important information about the VITARIA System. They will be most useful after you have read the entire manual. When you see this symbol, pay special attention to the important information after it. After you receive your VITARIA System, keep this important information in mind: You CANNOT have any short-wave diathermy, microwave diathermy, or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy anywhere on your body if you have an implanted VITARIA System. Use the LivaNova magnet to stop the stimulation if it becomes intolerable or irregular. Call your doctor right away if any of the following occur: Note: See Frequently Asked Questions on page 38. Note: See When and How to Use Your LivaNova Magnets on page 30. Your voice is constantly hoarse. The stimulation becomes painful or irregular. The stimulation causes any choking, trouble with breathing, trouble with swallowing, or significant change in heart rate /3 (OUS)

15 You or someone else notices changes in your level of consciousness (e.g., you become constantly drowsy). You think that the pulse generator may not be stimulating properly or that the VITARIA System battery is depleted (stops stimulating). You notice anything new or unusual that you relate to the stimulation. Note: See Other Important Information About Your VITARIA System on page 34 and Side Effects on page 23. Note: See MRI Warnings on page 16 The feeling that you usually have during stimulation becomes stronger or weaker. Call your doctor before you have any medical tests that might affect, or be affected by, the VITARIA System, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. There are many types of MRI scans a patient cannot have, but MRI can be done under specific conditions. Call your doctor before you have an MRI scan. If available, consider registering with an emergency service such as MedicAlert Foundation ( so information about the VITARIA System will be /3 (OUS) 9

16 available to hospital and emergency response personnel when needed. If you have questions about the MedicAlert Foundation, discuss it with your doctor. Call your doctor before you have any other medical devices implanted. Tell your doctor at your next visit if you no longer feel the routine stimulation. Your doctor may decide to change your settings. LivaNova cannot provide healthcare advice or services. Your source for health questions must always be your doctor. Note: See Medical Hazards on page /3 (OUS)

17 5 WHO USES AUTONOMIC REGULATION THERAPY?_ Doctors prescribe ART for people with moderate to severe heart failure, but it is not right for everyone. Your doctor will decide if your heart failure is the correct type to treat with ART. Your doctor will also decide if you have any other medical conditions that might be affected by ART. 5.1 Indication for Use The VITARIA System is used with patients who have moderate to severe heart failure and poor pumping ability, and who still have symptoms despite stable, optimal heart failure drug therapy. 5.2 Contraindications (When ART Should Not Be Used) The VITARIA System should not be used (is contraindicated) in people who have had both vagus nerves cut to treat another disorder (a bilateral vagotomy). The VITARIA System should not be used in people with a history of AV block (atrioventricular block). Inform anyone treating you that you CANNOT have any short-wave /3 (OUS) 11

18 diathermy, microwave diathermy, or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy (hereafter referred to as diathermy ) anywhere on your body because you have an implanted VITARIA System. Diagnostic ultrasound is not included in this contraindication. Diathermy is a treatment to promote healing or relieve pain. It is provided by special medical equipment (diathermy equipment) in a doctor s office, dentist s office, or other healthcare setting. Energy from diathermy therapy may cause heating of the VITARIA System. The heating of the VITARIA System resulting from diathermy can cause temporary or permanent nerve, tissue, or vascular damage. This damage may result in pain or discomfort, loss of vocal cord function, or even possibly death if there is damage to blood vessels. Diathermy may also damage parts of your VITARIA System. This damage can result in loss of therapy from your VITARIA System. More surgery may be required to remove or replace parts of your implanted device. Injury or damage can occur during diathermy treatment whether your /3 (OUS)

19 VITARIA System is turned ON or OFF /3 (OUS) 13

20 6 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS As with all types of treatment for heart failure, ART carries some risks. Talk to your physician about other risks not covered in this manual that you should know about. Also be sure to ask any questions that you have about any of the following warnings, precautions, side effects, and possible hazards. 6.1 Warnings With your doctor, review the warnings that follow, as well as any other issues that might be appropriate to discuss. Unapproved uses The safety and efficacy of the VITARIA System has not been established for uses outside its approved indications for use. The safety and efficacy of ART has not been shown for people with these conditions: Prior cardiac transplant 1st, 2nd, or 3rd-degree heart block Refractory symptomatic hypotension (low blood pressure) /3 (OUS)

21 Primary dysautonomias (e.g., vasovagal syncope, orthostatic intolerance) Severe obstructive or restrictive lung disease Age below 18 years Bradycardia and asystole Your physician will adjust stimulation to avoid a change in heart rate Existing ulcers ART can aggravate an existing ulcer. Your doctor will monitor your condition after stimulation is started. Device malfunction Device malfunction could cause painful stimulation or direct current stimulation. Either event could cause nerve damage and other associated problems.. Excessive stimulation Your doctor will program the device to avoid ON times greater than OFF time. Device manipulation Do not manipulate the pulse generator and lead through the skin as this may damage or disconnect the lead from the pulse generator and/or possibly cause damage to the vagus nerve /3 (OUS) 15

22 Elevated pressure conditions The VITARIA system has not been evaluated in elevated pressure conditions, such as those encountered during hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) or recreational SCUBA diving. 6.2 MRI Warnings Before having magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) You should contact your doctor before having any MRI performed so that it can be discussed with the MRI personnel. An MRI can be performed under certain conditions. Before undergoing an MRI scan, the current needs to be turned OFF and then turned ON again after the scan is completed. Note: For detailed MRI-related information, your doctor should refer to the MRI with the VITARIA System part of the physician s manual. Conditions where MRI should not be performed You should not have an MRI performed on your head, neck, or upper torso using a transmit RF body coil if you have the full VITARIA System implanted or if you have more than 2 cm of the lead remaining following removal of the VITARIA System. Heating of the lead caused by the transmit RF body coil during MRI may result in serious injury (e.g., damage to the vagus nerve and /3 (OUS)

23 surrounding tissue). Also, there should be no exposure of the VITARIA System to any local RF coil. If an MRI is needed Additional surgery may be required to remove the VITARIA System if an MRI is needed. MR Unsafe The VITARIA patient magnet, programming computer, and programming wand are MR Unsafe. Do not carry these items into the MR scanner room. The magnet, programming computer and programming wand could become dangerous flying objects if attracted by the strong magnetic field of the MRI scanner. Pain or other sensation during MRI scan If, during an MRI scan, you have any pain, discomfort, heating, or other unusual sensations, notify the MRI operator, so the MR procedure can be stopped, if necessary. MRI may disable the output current. Call your doctor if you have questions about having an MRI scan /3 (OUS) 17

24 6.3 Precautions Use during pregnancy The safety and effectiveness of the VITARIA System have not been established for use during pregnancy. Laryngeal irritation may result from stimulation. Patients who smoke may have an increased risk of laryngeal irritation. 6.4 Environmental Hazards Being close to certain types of equipment can affect the pulse generator. Move away from or avoid equipment such as transmitting antennas Pacemaker warning signs Talk to your doctor before going into places with pacemaker warning signs Small appliances Properly operating microwave ovens and other small electrical appliances, such as toasters, hair dryers, and electric shavers, should not affect the pulse generator Cellular phones Cellular phones can affect some implanted cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers. But tests /3 (OUS)

25 have shown that cell phones do not affect the VITARIA pulse generator Transmitting devices Properly operating electrical ignition systems and power transmission lines should not affect the pulse generator. Sources with high energy levels, such as transmitting antennas, may interfere with the device. Move at least 1.8 meters (6 feet) away from any equipment that interferes with your device Antitheft devices, airport security systems, and other metal detectors Antitheft devices and metal detectors should not affect the pulse generator or be affected by it. As a precaution, however, move through them at a steady pace; do not linger in the area and stay at least 40 centimeters (16 inches) away from such equipment Devices with strong electromagnetic fields Electrical or electromechanical devices with a strong static or pulsing magnetic field can cause the pulse generator to stop stimulating. Such devices may include strong magnets, tablet computers and their covers, hair clippers, vibrators, antitheft tag deactivators, and loudspeakers. Keep this type of equipment at /3 (OUS) 19

26 least 20 centimeters (8 inches) away from your chest. If your pulse generator stops while you are in a strong electromagnetic field, move away from the source so the device may return to regular operation. 6.5 Medical Hazards Medical equipment, procedures, and surgery using certain electrical instruments can affect the VITARIA System s operation and sometimes damage the pulse generator or lead Routine diagnostic procedures Most routine diagnostic procedures, such as diagnostic ultrasound and radiography (x-rays), should not affect the VITARIA System Mammography Because the pulse generator is in your chest, you may need to be specially positioned for a mammogram. Otherwise, the device may be seen as a shadow on the mammogram. It could make a lesion or lump in that area hard or even impossible to detect. Make sure that your doctor and the mammography technician are aware of the implanted device. Make sure that medical personnel know you have a device implanted in your chest. Always call your doctor before you have any medical tests that may affect, or be affected by, the VITARIA System as described. Precautions may be needed /3 (OUS)

27 6.5.3 Radiation treatment Treatment with radiation, cobalt machines, and linear accelerators may damage the pulse generator. Note that no testing has been done to date. The effect of radiation on the device is not known. Talk with your doctor if you plan to have radiation treatment Other procedures External cardiac defibrillation and other procedures for heart problems, as well as extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, diathermy, and electrocautery, may damage the pulse generator. If you had any of these procedures and your doctor did not know about it, have the pulse generator checked. While diagnostic ultrasound should not affect the VITARIA System, therapeutic ultrasound therapy could damage the pulse generator or inadvertently harm you. 6.6 Interference with Other Devices While the pulse generator is stimulating or being set or tested, it may briefly interfere with nearby equipment. If this happens, move at least 1.8 meters (6 feet) away from such equipment /3 (OUS) 21

28 6.6.1 Radios and hearing aids The pulse generator can interfere with devices that operate in the 30 khz to 100 khz range. Hearing aids and transistor radios operate in this range. In theory, the pulse generator could affect them, but no effects have yet been reported. No detailed testing has been done, so the effects are unknown Credit cards and computer disks The LivaNova magnets are very strong. They can damage televisions, computer disks, credit cards, and other items that are affected by strong magnetic fields. Keep your magnet at least 25 centimeters (10 inches) away from any of these items. Do not carry or store the magnets near them /3 (OUS)

29 7 ADVERSE EVENTS 7.1 Side Effects Some side effects are linked with the VITARIA System and stimulation. As a rule, they become less noticeable over time for most patients. Other problems, such as coughing or hoarseness, can occur if device settings are set too high at first or are increased too rapidly, or if the device is started too soon after surgery. If this happens, your doctor can change the device settings. Call your doctor any time hoarseness is painful, constant, or persists Common stimulation-related side effects The most common side effect is hoarseness. Three other common side effects are sore throat, shortness of breath, and coughing. As a rule, these problems typically occur only during stimulation (the ON time of the cycle). Most people who have hoarseness, as well as the other three side effects, tolerate it well and notice it less as time goes on. The following is a partial alphabetical list of the side effects possibly associated with the VITARIA System and reported during clinical trials of the VITARIA System. You may experience one or more of them. Talk to your doctor if any one of these items becomes too uncomfortable /3 (OUS) 23

30 Breathing difficulties, shortness of breath (dyspnea) Hoarseness (voice alteration) Increased coughing Indigestion (dyspepsia) Infection Inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis) Muscle movements or twitching generally associated with stimulation Pain Prickling of the skin (paresthesia) Reduced appetite (satiety) Sensation of stimulation Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) Throat, larynx spasms (laryngismus) /3 (OUS)

31 Implantation of the lead may cause nerve constriction (squeezing of the nerve). Call your doctor right away if your voice is always hoarse a few days after surgery. (There could be other explanations for this symptom.) Common surgical side effects These surgical side effects are sometimes linked with the VITARIA System. They may be short-term or long-term. Hematoma Infection Pain Voice alteration (hoarseness) /3 (OUS) 25

32 8 BENEFITS OF AUTONOMIC REGULATION THERAPY Successful autonomic regulation therapy (ART) using the VITARIA System may result in an improvement in heart pumping and a decrease in heart failure symptoms. Some patients have reported a large change, others only a slight change, and still others no change. On the whole, the patients involved in the VITARIA System clinical trials had a significant improvement in heart pumping and decrease in heart failure symptoms /3 (OUS)

33 9 TO HAVE THE DEVICE IMPLANTED The VITARIA System requires surgical placement of the pulse generator and lead by a surgeon. At office visits, your doctor checks the settings and changes them as needed. 9.1 Surgery (Operation) The operation can be reversed if you and your doctor decide to have the VITARIA System removed. Removal of the pulse generator and/or lead requires another surgical procedure. Sometimes when a surgeon removes a VITARIA System, the surgeon will decide to leave a portion of the lead behind in order not to risk damaging the vagus nerve. This may pose certain risks (see Medical Hazards on page 20). Surgery lasts from about 1 to 2 hours and typically involves general anesthesia, though local anesthesia is sometimes used. You may stay in the hospital overnight. The surgeon makes a small incision on the left or right side of the neck and a second incision below the collarbone in the chest or armpit. The surgeon passes the lead under the skin between the two incisions. Next the surgeon attaches the lead to the left or right vagus nerve in the neck. The surgeon attaches the other end of the lead to the pulse generator, which is then placed in a pocket created at the site of the incision below the collarbone on the same side as the lead. Finally, the surgeon closes the incisions (see Figure 1 on page 5) /3 (OUS) 27

34 9.2 Follow Up After Surgery The pulse generator is usually turned on 2 weeks after implantation. Your doctor will program the pulse generator to the proper settings for you. At that office visit and at subsequent visits, your doctor will check the VITARIA System. Your doctor will make sure that it is working well and that the treatment is comfortable for you. You will receive a Patient Information Card. It has phone numbers to call in case of a devicerelated emergency. You will also be given an Implant and Warranty Registration Card. It has information about your pulse generator and lead. 9.3 Programming Stimulation Stimulation with the VITARIA System has an automatic ON and OFF cycle typically 14 seconds ON and 1.1 minutes OFF. Your doctor chooses the settings that work for you. LivaNova recommends that you schedule follow-up visits with your doctor. Your doctor will check the VITARIA System for safe and effective operation. Carry the Patient Emergency Information Card at all times. Your doctor is your first source for healthrelated questions and information. LivaNova cannot provide healthcare advice or services /3 (OUS)

35 10 THE LIVANOVA MAGNETS 10.1 How to Handle the LivaNova Magnets Do not drop the magnets. They can break if dropped on a hard surface. Never put or store the magnets near credit cards, televisions, computers, computer disks, microwave ovens, watches, or other magnets. Keep them at least 25 centimeters (10 inches) away. After your operation, your doctor will give you two magnets. Your doctor may recommend that you carry one of the magnets with you at all times. If so, you should carry it in your pocket, in your purse away from credit cards, or in another convenient place. If you prefer, you can wear them like a watch or a pager (see Figure 2). Both styles of LivaNova magnets contain a high-power magnet that is surrounded by a plastic casing in the shape of a watch. These magnets should be operated and stored at temperatures ranging from -20 C (-4 F) to +55 C (+131 F) Magnet Styles The watch-style magnet attaches to your wrist with a wristband. The magnet should be on the inside of your wrist so that the magnet can be placed over the pulse generator to start or stop stimulation. The pager-style magnet has a belt clip so that the magnet and clip can be removed without coming apart. To use the pager-style magnet, remove the belt clip and magnet from your belt /3 (OUS) 29

36 Figure 2. The LivaNova Magnets LivaNova Magnet (watch-style) LivaNova Magnet (pager-style) 10.3 When and How to Use Your LivaNova Magnets When to use your magnet The magnet can be used to temporarily stop stimulation: When you plan to sing or speak in public (if stimulation bothers you when you do this) When you are eating (if you have swallowing problems) If stimulation becomes uncomfortable or painful Keep a magnet with you at all times /3 (OUS)

37 Note: To show the correct position of the magnet with the pulse generator, the magnet has been drawn without the belt clip or wristband. The belt clip and wristband use the same magnet. Note: The period for which you hold the magnet in place does not count as part of the set OFF time How to stop stimulation 1. Put the magnet over the pulse generator (see Figure 3). If the stimulation stays on, move the magnet around until it stops. Figure 3. Magnet Used to Stop Stimulation 2. Leave the magnet over the pulse generator. If needed, tape it to your chest or use an elastic, wrap-around bandage. 3. If you stopped the stimulation because it was painful or felt unusual, call your doctor right away. The pulse generator will not stimulate while the magnet is in place, but it will start when the magnet is removed How the Magnets Work The VITARIA System senses a magnetic field. When you pass or hold a magnet over the pulse generator, a reed switch inside the pulse generator closes. This switch works like a gate. When the magnet closes it, the normal signal /3 (OUS) 31

38 (stimulation) cannot pass. The pulse generator is temporarily turned OFF. When the magnet is removed, the switch (gate) opens right away. The VITARIA System is turned back ON and can stimulate again. You may need to move the magnet around to find the reed switch to deactivate an on-going stimulation Know your Magnets These tips are also given elsewhere in this manual. Be sure that you understand them. With your doctor s permission, it is okay to leave the magnet in place for a short while, for example, to avoid voice alteration while you speak to a group or sing a song. The pulse generator will not stimulate while the magnet is in place. The stimulation cycle begins again when the magnet is removed. If stimulation hurts, hold the magnet over the pulse generator and keep it there. The stimulation will stop as long as the magnet is there. If necessary, tape the magnet in place. Contact your doctor right away. Always carry the magnet with you if recommended by your doctor. You may need to stop simulation for some /3 (OUS)

39 reason or because it has become painful. Show your family members or caregivers how to use it too. Keep the magnets away from credit cards, computer disks, watches, and other items affected by strong magnetic fields. If you lose one of your magnets and need a replacement, contact your doctor. And remember if you are not sure how to use the magnets, ask your doctor to show you how How to Replace the LivaNova Magnets To order a new magnet, contact your doctor. You may also request a copy of this Patient s Manual /3 (OUS) 33

40 11 OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR VITARIA SYSTEM_ Complications linked to the VITARIA System can result from: Surgery Pulse generator malfunction (not working) Battery depletion (running out) Touching or moving the device through the skin 11.1 Surgery Like a heart pacemaker, the VITARIA lead and pulse generator are implanted during surgery. One incision is made in the neck to attach the lead to the vagus nerve, and a second incision is made in the chest for the pulse generator. All types of surgery carry some risks. In addition to the risks described in the earlier section of this manual that summarized the experience from clinical studies, there are potential mechanical complications related to the surgical implantation of the device. The pulse generator and/or lead can but rarely do move or come through the skin. Also, the lead can break or become disconnected from the pulse generator /3 (OUS)

41 11.2 Pulse Generator Malfunction (Device not Working Right) The pulse generator can malfunction, though this is rare. The stimulation from a pulse generator that is not working right can cause intense neck pain, hoarseness, choking, or trouble breathing. Stimulation from a pulse generator that is not working right could damage the vagus nerve and lead to permanent hoarseness or other complications. Malfunction of the pulse generator could cause the battery to run out sooner than expected. If you have any of these symptoms, or if stimulation becomes painful, irregular, or nonstop, place the magnet over the pulse generator. Hold it there to stop stimulation (see When and How to Use Your LivaNova Magnets on page 30), and call your doctor right away Battery Depletion After stimulation stops (e.g., the pulse generator battery runs out) the VITARIA System will no longer provide autonomic regulation therapy. If you think the pulse generator might not be working right, call your doctor. The battery in your pulse generator will typically last 5 to 7 years, depending on the settings. The pulse generator battery will slowly lose its power. When it starts to run out, it will begin to stimulate differently. You may sense this change as irregular stimulation. At the end of battery life, the stimulation will stop completely. The dose settings impact how long the battery in the pulse generator will last. For example, the battery may last for 3 years at a higher setting, compared with 8 years at a lower /3 (OUS) 35

42 setting. For the full range of settings in relationship to battery life, ask your doctor. When the battery in your pulse generator runs out, the pulse generator must be replaced in order for you to continue to receive ART. This requires an additional surgical procedure. The operation involves anesthesia and generally takes less than an hour to complete. Replacement or removal of the lead is a different procedure. It is not required for routine replacement of the pulse generator Manipulation of the Pulse Generator and Lead The pulse generator is secured into place during surgery, but the device can move slightly. It may be possible to feel the lead under the skin after surgery. This feeling is normal. It should become less apparent over time (several weeks). Manipulation of the lead should be prevented at all times. Never move or twist the pulse generator or manipulate the lead. Doing so could damage the lead or your vagus nerve. It could require that the pulse generator and lead be replaced /3 (OUS)

43 Send LivaNova a change of address notice if you move. 12 LIVANOVA PATIENT WARRANTY AND SAFETY LISTING Government agencies require makers of implantable devices to contact people in case of emergencies related to the device. LivaNova has a list of people who have had the pulse generator and lead implanted. The information is kept in confidential files. It is a permanent record of the implantation surgery. LivaNova will release a file only if required by law /3 (OUS) 37

44 13 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Patients and their family members often ask these questions. How do most people respond to ART? When the device was tested in the clinical trials, patients showed an overall improvement in heart pumping and a decrease in heart failure symptoms. Some patients reported a large change, others only a slight change, and still others no change. Can I know if I will be helped before I am implanted with the pulse generator and lead? At this time, there is no way to predict what your response will be. What is the implantation surgery like? You will be given a general or local anesthetic. The operation usually takes 1 to 2 hours. You will probably stay in the hospital overnight. Ask your surgeon to tell you more about the anesthetic, the operation, and the hospital stay so that you will know what to expect /3 (OUS)

45 Are there risks linked with the surgery? Any surgery has some type of risk. It is important that you discuss this question with your surgeon. Will the scars be noticeable? Each person has different healing and scarring results. You should expect some scarring from surgery. Most people do not think the scarring after surgery is a major concern. If this is a special concern for you, discuss it with your surgeon. Will people be able to see the implanted device through my skin? The pulse generator is shaped like a disk. If you have a small frame or are very thin, the device may be visible below your collarbone. The Model 7103 is 4.6 centimeters (1.8 inches) by 3.3 centimeters (1.3 inches) and 0.7 centimeters (0.3 inches) thick; it weighs about 16 grams (0.56 ounce). What happens after the surgery? Your doctor will set your treatment settings into your device. If the stimulation feels uncomfortable, your doctor can change it to make you more comfortable. The doctor will use the programming wand to check and fine-tune your stimulation settings at each visit /3 (OUS) 39

46 Will I be able to tell when the stimulator is ON or active? Many people note a tingling feeling or a change in their voice (hoarseness) during stimulation. This effect usually becomes less noticeable over time. What are the side effects of ART? The most common side effects reported for autonomic regulation therapy using the VITARIA System are a tingling sensation in the neck and mild hoarseness in the voice, both of which occur only during stimulation. Note: See Side Effects on page 23 for information about less common side effects. What does the magnet do? The magnet can be used to stop stimulation. To turn OFF the stimulation, hold the magnet over the pulse generator. Remove the magnet to restart the Normal stimulation cycle. When should I use the magnet? Use the magnet to stop stimulation temporarily or to turn OFF the pulse generator when you plan to sing or speak in public (if stimulation bothers you when you do this), when you are eating (if you have swallowing problems), or if stimulation becomes uncomfortable or painful. If you need to use the magnet for any of these reasons or any other reason, inform your physician /3 (OUS)

47 How does the magnet work? The pulse generator has a sensor (the reed switch) that recognizes the magnet and temporarily stops stimulation as long as the magnet is held or taped over the pulse generator. Can any magnet be used? Only the LivaNova magnet should be used with your VITARIA System. If you lose your magnet or require extra magnets, contact your doctor. In an emergency, you may try other strong magnets. The use of other, non-livanova magnets will not harm the VITARIA System, but there is no way to know whether a magnet other than the LivaNova magnet will work. What if the magnet is accidentally kept in place over the pulse generator for an extended period? No stimulation will be delivered while the magnet is kept over the device. Normal stimulations will resume only after the magnet is removed. Is it possible to stop all stimulation using the magnet? Yes. To stop stimulation, hold the magnet over the pulse generator and keep it there. Use this method if you have unusual or painful stimulation. Then call your doctor right away. The magnet will stop all stimulation while it is held in place. You /3 (OUS) 41

48 may need to secure the magnet by taping it over the device. Is the magnet an environmental hazard? The LivaNova magnet can damage computer disks, credit cards, watches, and other items affected by strong magnetic fields. Keep your magnet at least 25 centimeters (10 inches) away from any of these items. Do not store magnets near such items. Will dropping my magnet affect its strength? Dropping your magnet should not affect the magnet s strength. This is a problem that afflicts low-power magnets. The LivaNova magnet is a high-power magnet and should not lose its strength when dropped or if the casing cracks. Other questions? If you have other questions about the VITARIA System, any of its parts, or ART in general, talk to your doctor /3 (OUS)

49 14 CONTACT INFORMATION _ Manufacturer LivaNova USA, Inc. 100 Cyberonics Boulevard Houston, Texas USA LivaNova Belgium NV Ikaroslaan 83 B-1930 Zaventem BELGIUM Authorized Representative Internet /3 (OUS) 43