Questions and Answers – Neurostimulation
Gastroparesis
- How large is the Enterra™ neurostimulator?
- Will the Enterra™ neurostimulator eliminate my nausea and vomiting symptoms?
- If gastric electrical stimulation works for me, when will I notice improvements in my symptoms?
- What is the difference between Enterra™ and Enterra™ II?
- How long will my neurostimulator battery last?
- What will happen when the neurostimulator battery runs down?
- Can the neurostimulator battery be recharged?
- Will I be able to turn the neurostimulator on and off?
- Can the Enterra™ neurostimulator be used during pregnancy?
How large is the Enterra™ neurostimulator?
The Enterra™ neurostimulator is 2.4 inches (60 mm) long, 2.2 inches (55 mm) high, and 0.4 inches (10 mm) thick. It weighs 1.5 ounces (42 grams).
The Enterra™ II neurostimulator model 37800 is 2.4 inches (60 mm) long, 2.2 inches (55 mm) high, and 0.5 inches (11.4 mm) thick. It weighs 1.6 ounces (45 grams).
Will the Enterra™ neurostimulator eliminate my nausea and vomiting symptoms?
The WAVESS (Worldwide Anti-Vomiting Electrical Stimulation Study1) clinical study of the Enterra™ neurostimulator used in treating nausea and vomiting has shown that most, but not all, patients have some relief of their vomiting symptoms.
If gastric electrical stimulation works for me, when will I notice improvements in my symptoms?
The rate of improvement varies from person to person.
Back to topWhat is the difference between Enterra™ and Enterra™ II?
The Enterra™ II gastric stimulator has a battery life indicator, updated programming software, and better resistance against electrical interference.
How long will my neurostimulator battery last?
How long the battery lasts depends on your stimulation settings. Some people need more stimulation, which drains the battery faster, and others need less.
Back to topWhat will happen when the neurostimulator battery runs down?
Your doctor will need to schedule a surgical procedure to replace the neurostimulator. Enterra™ II contains a battery indicator that tells your doctor when it is time to schedule a device replacement for continued therapy.
Can the neurostimulator battery be recharged?
The entire neurostimulator, which contains the battery, must be replaced when the battery runs down. The neurostimulator is not rechargeable.
Back to topWill I be able to turn the neurostimulator on and off?
Only your doctor can turn the neurostimulator on and off with the external clinician programmer.
Back to topCan the Enterra™ neurostimulator be used during pregnancy?
The safety of neurostimulation for use during pregnancy or delivery has not been established. If you learn, or suspect, that you are pregnant, contact your doctor.
Reference
1
Abell T, McCallum R, Hocking M, et al. Gastric electrical stimulation for medically refractory gastroparesis. Gastroenterology. August 2003;125(2):421-428.
The Enterra™ Therapy system for gastric electrical stimulation is authorised for use in treatment of chronic intractable (drug refractory) nausea and vomiting secondary to gastroparesis of diabetic or idiopathic etiology. The effectiveness of this device for this use has not been demonstrated.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.