Vagus Nerve Stimulation Removal or Replacement Involving the Lead and the Electrode: Surgical Technique, Institutional Experience and Outcome

Objective To analyze the outcome of epileptic patients who had redo surgery involving the vagus nerve stimulation's lead. Methods We reviewed the clinical and surgical records of all patients who had a complete vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) removal or replacement or any redo surgical procedure involving the system lead at Sainte-Anne Hospital in Paris, France. Results Between the years 1999 and 2016, 41 redo surgical procedures involving the lead or electrode were achieved, of which 23 were complete VNS explantations, 12 were complete system replacements, 5 were lead changes only, and 1 was isolated lead removal. 41% of the surgical procedures were achieved in female patients. This population has a median age at VNS implantation of 33.6 years (interquartile range [IQR], [21.4–38.6]. Median time between the VNS implantation and the redo surgery involving the lead was 4.9 years (IQR, 2.9–8). The reason for VNS removal was mainly a lack of clinical effectiveness. No preoperative or postoperative complications occurred after complete VNS system removal or lead replacement. The effectiveness of the VNS therapy remained unchanged after lead replacement. No vagus nerve injury was reported, nor did symptoms suggest that it was disabled. Conclusions Complete removal or replacement of the VNS system including the lead and the electrode is feasible and safe. These procedures should be offered to patients who would no longer benefit from the VNS or when only a lead change is needed.