Here is what Medtronic tells physicians:

http://www.medtronic.com/physician/activa/mri.html

here is MRI Safety's site. you must register to use it.

http://mrisafety.com/default.asp

Charlie

I hear ya on that one CS..I cant wear a watch, rings, neckties drive me up a wall.. ..I have a partial plate, and I despise that damned thing.. ..I dress very casual, cuz Im not comfortable otherwise

This is why:

"The worst thing i dislike about DBS is that it is not a "self contained" unit, but has to remain permanently piercing the dura layers of the brain to be attached to the control units that are implanted under the skin in the thoracic area. I know that i'd scratch it like a mosquito bite, because i am weird that way, i hate anything "on me" that i could feel at anytime. That's just one of my DBS "bugaboos", the others being permanent damage to tissue, infection and other "things". cs"

I'm in good health, Chasmo, a chipper 69, managing PD symptoms well, I could probably be an ok candidate for DBS, but the above quote by cs explains what frightens me. I'm absent minded, and have never had a bite or rash I didn't scratch - add to that the initial invasion, and I retreat, fast.
Still listing to the left - even figuratively,

birte

on the chest. I found that the Neo Sporin anti-itch creme, applied with a Q tip worked well for me. Once I had my IPG's relocated to just below and behind my armpits, itching was not a problem.
I really never notice my implants anymore.

Birte;
Glad to hear you are still doing well on meds. I was not doing well and I was out of options save a DBS. I do not regret my decision even though I had to have my first side had to be pulled out due to infection. I'd go through it all over again in a heart beat. it was a MAJOR improvement in my quality of life. No dyskinesia or dystonia.

CS;
Medtronic is working on a self-contained unit, I understand, as well as a rechargeable unit. They might be one and the same, I do not remember what the Medtronic rep said about it.
The interference that you spoke of earlier occurred at 4 Tesla, I believe. This is WAY above what is needed for a head MRI. This is the only source of radiation that I am aware of that has this kind of power. (unless you stick your head in a microwave.)

I have yet to hear of anyone having issues with their arc welder for instance.
This is an area I need to give further study to. My sense of it however, is legal is writing their warnings, to give them plenty of C.Y.A.

There are no issues with the leads pulling out. Medtronic's burhole cap/lead lock works extremely well.

The leads are a titanium/beryllium alloy that is extremely resistant to work hardening and kinking.
I think the plastic conductors might have too much resistance and have durability issues as opposed to ones presently used. (just an opinon)
Charlie

http://www.activadbs.com/

those contemplating a DBS might want to look at this.


Charlie

hi charlie,
I went to the neurologist the last visit, because I only go 2 times a year,
and he said, for some reason you are better, and he asked me what supplements I took and he wrote them down,

and then he said this off the wall comment -would you like to have a DBS...???????????????

I told him, no thank you -he asked me why and so I told him,
that I could not -do the stress,
shave my head -and hard wire me -and the stats were bad
10 percent of all people that go in for brain surgery die of a brain bleed.
and that when they find the cure - I will have that - either way
I will just keep praying.

The surgery truly is not for everyone dear charlie...

however I am very glad it has helped you!
take care my friend...

10% of the patients DO NOT have bleeds!!
The figure as near as I can tell is 1/4 to 1/2%!!I have talked to several doctors who have had one bleed out of several hundred patients!! there is a 2% complication rate from all causes, is the most quoted statistic I've heard.
The big killer in this (or any surgery, I am guessing) would be a deep vein thrombosis.
I totally support your decision not to have a DBS!! Just do not make your decision on flawed statistics.
BTW, hair grows back Tena!!!

your friend
Charlie

P.S. I realize that having a DBS is not for everyone. It IS the best approved treatment we have at this time though.
I realize that some people have bad outcomes. I am just trying to give you the facts as they have been related to me, by medical professionals I trust. Most of what I tell you has been verified by at least two other professionals or by studies done at leading universities. I only relate things I truly believe!!

Chasmo,

I checked out your web site. It is new and was posted in 2007. After I read the following I am happy my orthopedic surgeon chose not to perform an MRI.

"Medtronic cannot absolutely ensure safety or that the neurostimulator will not be damaged. The user of this information assumes full responsibility for the consequences of conducting an MRI examination on a patient with an implanted Activa System."

I would prefer a doctor to think of my safety first before ordering an MRI to rule out a problem. Who could blame his with a "cover my ***" statement like that. Here is a safe way we beleive it can be done but we will not take responsibility if it doesn't work. In other words, it doesn't work or they would be willing to take responsibility if all protocol was used and damage still occured. I stand by my words. MRI is not recommended for DBS patients. I accepted that when I had the DBS because I couldn't watch my family go through the stress and pain of watching me fight for my life in ICU. I don't regret it.

Now please stop pushing so hard. The words in quotes above were taken directly off the site you posted. I don't want to have to block you to stop these stressful PM's and arguments.

Vicky

http://cms.clevelandclinic.org/neuro...ody.cfm?id=141
from the cleveland clinic (big name, none finer_
which says 2% risk of hemorrhage of brain

How hard is it to find our facts if we want 'em? Took me about a minute, and I rejected 4-5 other sites that looked like they were selling something or were not thorough enough.

Now get back in the boat, please, Charlie. The world has already been redeemed. J.

come from an old study about 1999-2000. I am tired of trying convience you guys though.

CHas