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Clean the programmer as needed by wiping off the outer surface using a moist cloth and a small amount of
mild soap. Do not submerge the programmer in liquids or use a cloth that is saturated. Do not use alcohol,
cleaning solutions, or solvents to clean the programmer.
Maintaining the IPG Battery
The IPG contains a lithium ion battery. The time it takes to recharge a battery depends on these factors: age of
the battery, daily usage time, stimulation settings, and length of time since the last recharge. The following
graph shows how the rechargeable battery depletes over time.
Figure 78. IPG battery depletion over time
If the patient does not recharge the battery, stimulation will eventually stop, and the patient then must
recharge the battery to prevent battery damage. After stimulation stops, a new battery can last up to 90 days
before it must be recharged, while a ten-year-old battery should be recharged within 30 days.
When the IPG is used at high stimulation parameters for tonic programs or at nominal stimulation parameters
for BurstDR™ stimulation programs, battery usage studies demonstrate that the battery should allow at least
ten years of practical recharging. In other words, a ten-year-old device will maintain at least 24 hours of
continuous therapy between recharges.
Depending on the patient's stimulation parameters, the device will continue to operate for months to years.
Patients may experience a significantly longer device life before recharging is determined to be impractical if
they use lower stimulation parameters, a frequent recharging protocol, or both. Frequent recharging can
reduce charging session times and maximize the IPG's life.
NOTE: The model used to predict device longevity was generated by fitting a mathematical model to three
years of real-time cycling data, which was then used to extrapolate device battery capacity at the end of ten
years.
Troubleshooting
This section provides troubleshooting procedures to help you identify and solve problems that may occur.
NOTE: Keep functional backup items on hand. Especially keep the following items available during
intraoperative testing: trial stimulator, trial cable, and fresh batteries.
Troubleshooting Procedure
If a patient programmer or IPG problem is suspected, follow these steps to help solve or isolate the problem:
NOTE: Always set the amplitude to zero before making adjustments; then slowly increase the amplitude to
test the effect of the change.
1. Check the programmer screen for a diagnostic message. If there is one, continue with "Troubleshooting a
1.
Diagnostic Message" (page 33) and try the solution.
2. Verify that the IPG power is on.
2.
3. Verify that the amplitude is at the correct level.
3.
4. Wait for the programmer power to shut off (approximately one minute).
4.
5. Turn on the programmer again.
5.
6.
6. Begin stimulation and adjust the amplitude to a comfortable level.
7.
7. Try the suggested solution on the appropriate troubleshooting chart: "Troubleshooting Chart for
Intraoperative Testing" (page 34) or "Troubleshooting Chart for Postoperative Programming" (page 35).
8.
8. Call Technical Support.
1.
1. Battery capacity
2.
2. Time
3.
3. Battery fully charged
4.
4. Recharge notice
5.
5. Stimulation stops
6.
6. Recharge within 30 to 90 days
32
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Table of Contents
Troubleshooting
