Important Information for Patients with an Implanted Neurostimulation Device
If you have an implanted neurostimulation device, certain medical procedures, treatments, and diagnostic tests require special precautions to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of your device.
Always inform your healthcare provider that you have an implanted neurostimulation device before undergoing any medical procedure, diagnostic test, surgery, or treatment.
If you are uncertain whether a procedure may affect your device, please contact our team before proceeding.
Before Your MRI Scan
Before undergoing an MRI scan:
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Your device must be placed in MRI Mode before the scan.
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Bring your Patient Controller and Implant Card to your appointment.
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Inform the radiology team that you have an implanted neurostimulation device.
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Follow all instructions provided in the MRI Safety Guide.
Important Information
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MRI scans are only permitted for patients whose implanted system meets all MRI safety requirements.
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Your device should be placed in MRI Mode no more than 24 hours before the scan.
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The Patient Controller must not be taken into the MRI scanner room.
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MRI Mode must be disabled immediately after the scan to restore therapy.
Before Any Surgery
Before undergoing any surgical procedure:
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Your device must be placed in Surgery Mode.
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Inform your surgeon, anaesthetist, and treating physician that you have an implanted neurostimulation device.
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Bring your Implant Card and Patient Controller to the hospital or procedure facility.
Electrosurgery
Electrosurgical equipment used during surgery may interfere with your neurostimulation system.
Special precautions may be required, and your medical team should be aware of your implant before the procedure.
Procedures Requiring Special Precautions
Diathermy Treatments
Patients with an implanted neurostimulation device must not undergo diathermy treatment.
This includes:
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Short-wave diathermy
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Microwave diathermy
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Therapeutic ultrasound diathermy
These treatments may cause severe tissue injury, serious complications, permanent damage to the implanted system, or death.
Radiofrequency (RF) or Microwave Ablation
Procedures that use radiofrequency or microwave energy may affect your implanted device. Speak with your treating physician and contact us before undergoing any RF or microwave ablation procedure.
Radiation Therapy
If you require radiation treatment, including:
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Cancer radiation therapy
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Therapeutic X-rays
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Linear accelerator treatments
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Cobalt therapy
You must inform your oncology team that you have an implanted neurostimulation device.
Radiation may damage the electronic components of the system and special precautions may be necessary.
Lithotripsy
Lithotripsy procedures used to treat kidney stones may affect the implanted system.
Inform your treating physician before treatment so that appropriate precautions can be taken.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound applied near the implanted device may damage the system.
Always advise your healthcare provider before receiving therapeutic ultrasound treatment.
CT Scans
CT scans may be performed; however, radiology staff should be informed that you have an implanted neurostimulation device before the examination.
Defibrillation and Cardioversion
Emergency or planned cardiac procedures such as:
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Defibrillation
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Cardioversion
May affect the implanted system. Medical personnel should be informed immediately that you have an implanted neurostimulation device.
TENS Units and Other Electrical Therapies
Certain electrical devices may interfere with your neurostimulation system, including:
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TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units
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Bone growth stimulators
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Electrotherapy devices
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Other electrical stimulation equipment
Please consult your healthcare provider before using these devices.
Dental Procedures
Before dental treatment, inform your dentist that you have an implanted neurostimulation device.
Certain dental equipment may generate electromagnetic interference and may require additional precautions.
Emergency Medical Care
In the event of emergency treatment, ensure that emergency healthcare providers are informed of your implanted neurostimulation device as soon as possible. Carrying your Implant Card can help healthcare professionals identify your system and take the necessary precautions.
Implant Card
Please carry your Implant Card at all times.
The Implant Card contains important information, including:
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Device model information
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Implant details
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Emergency contact information
Downloadable Patient Resources
Please download and review the following documents before any scheduled procedure:
Contact Us
If you have questions regarding a planned procedure, scan, treatment, or therapy, please contact our team before proceeding.
Patient safety is our highest priority, and we are available to assist both patients and healthcare professionals with device-related safety questions.
Daniel Voges
SCS Portfolio Manager-Gauteng
+27 84 779 8002
Neil Hayward
Senior Sales Representative - East London
+27 76 054 6172
Thivian Naidoo
Senior Sales Representative - KZN
thivian.naidoo@aristehealth.com
+27 82 600 7607
Jeante Smith
Specialist Representative - Cape Town
+27 76 229 1066
Lee-Anne Kruger
Sales Representative- Johannesburg Central
lee-anne.kruger@aristehealth.com
+27 (0)67 488 0570