Battery Longevity Comparison of Two Commonly Available Dual Channel Implantable Pulse Generators Used for Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease.

Objectives: Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease (PD) utilises an implantable pulse generator (IPG) whose finite lifespan in non-rechargeable systems necessitates their periodic replacement. We wish to determine if there is any significant difference in longevity of 2 commonly used IPG systems; the Medtronic Kinetra, and the Medtronic Activa Primary Cell (PC), which has come to replace it.

Methods: All patients with bilateral Subthalamic Nucleus stimulators for PD performed in our centre were included.

Subthalamic deep brain stimulation under general anesthesia and neurophysiological guidance while on dopaminergic medication: comparative cohort study.

Objectives: The authors have previously reported on the technical feasibility of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) under general anesthesia (GA) with microelectrode recording (MER) guidance in Parkinsonian patients who continued dopaminergic therapy until surgery. This paper presents the results of a prospective cohort analysis to verify the outcome of the initial study, and report on wider aspects of clinical outcome and postoperative recovery.

Methods: All patients in the study group continued dopaminergic therapy until GA was administered.

It's every nurse's duty to help prevent terrorism.

Manchester is my home city and, like many people across the North West and in London, I have been devastated by the appalling terrorist attacks of recent months, which have felt very close to home. We can all be proud of the incredible way that the NHS family responded to the attacks, swiftly and with such heroic professionalism.