The VNS Therapy™ system is implanted in a simple procedure that usually takes about one hour. This minor surgery is usually performed using general anesthesia, and patients can go home the same day.
The procedure does NOT involve brain surgery. To perform the implant, the surgeon makes two incisions:
The incisions heal in one to two weeks, and the scars fade over time. The neck scar is usually located within a natural crease of the skin and becomes nearly invisible.
Most insurance plans (including Medicare and Medicaid) cover VNS Therapy and the implant procedure for patients with seizure disorders. Learn more about coverage.
As with any surgery, there is some risk of infection. However, the risk is very low—about the same as in other implant procedures.
After the surgical incisions have healed, your doctor or nurse will activate the VNS Therapy generator. The timing and amount of stimulation you receive will be programmed at that time.
As soon as your VNS Therapy system is activated, it will provide therapy automatically, day after day.
Although it is used in addition to medication, VNS Therapy is NOT a drug, and does not cause the kinds of side effects you would expect from anti-seizure drugs. Most side effects from VNS Therapy are mild and include:
These side effects usually occur during the stimulation periods, and typically decrease over time. For more complete information about side effects associated with VNS Therapy, please refer to the Patient Manual.
Click here to learn how to use the VNS Therapy magnet.
