ABSTRACT

Objectives:

Vagal nerve stimulator is an effective treatment option for the medical treatment of the resistant-epilepsies. Surgical complication risks, as well as device-dependent risks, are also present. In this study, we aimed to draw attention to lead fractures from device-dependent complications.

Methods:

Between March 2005 and March 2015, patients who had vagal nerve stimulator implantation were screened in our clinic, and patients with lead fractures were included in this study.

Results:

Vagal nerve stimulator implants were implanted to over 170 patients in our clinic, and 11 of them were found to have lead fractures. They were all taken to revision surgery.

Conclusion:

Although lead fractures are not common, they form 11% of the device-dependent complications. High seizure severity, frequent frequency, long seizures and trauma may cause lead fractures.