US: What to Expect Before the VNS Therapy™ Procedure

If you are interested in VNS Therapy™, see a neurologist or epilepsy specialist to determine if VNS Therapy™ is an appropriate next step for your drug resistant seizures. Once your doctor has prescribed VNS Therapy™, you will have the opportunity to meet your surgeon to get information on the procedure and pre and post implant instructions. On average, the initial implant procedure last approximately an hour and a half to 2 hours under general anesthesia and typically does not require an overnight stay in the hospital.
Most insurance companies cover the cost of VNS Therapy™. A small device called the generator is implanted under the skin in the chest and a thin wire known as the lead connects the device to the vagus nerve in the neck. There are two small incisions, one in the left chest wall and the other on the left side of the neck.
It's a short outpatient procedure. Most people go home the same day. The goals of VNS Therapy™ are fewer seizures, shorter seizures, and better recovery after seizures. Talk to your neurologist to determine if VNS Therapy™ is right for you.
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THIS VIDEO IS INTENDED FOR AUDIENCES IN THE UNITED STATES ONLY. The VNS Therapy System is indicated for use as an adjunctive therapy in reducing the frequency of seizures in patients 4 years of age and older with partial onset seizures that are refractory to seizure medications. The most common side effects with VNS Therapy are hoarseness, shortness of breath, sore throat and coughing. These side effects generally only occur during stimulation and usually decrease over time. The most common side effect of the surgical procedure is infection. For important safety information, visit www.vnstherapy.com/safety