Do adaptors shorten the battery life of non-rechargeable generators for deep brain stimulation?

Abstract Objective Generators implanted for DBS have to be replaced after several years. If a Kinetra ® generator is replaced by the Activa-PC ® an adaptor will be required to attach it to the original extension cables. Based on our clinical impression that the battery life of the Active-PC® generator was shorter when an adaptor was used, we performed this retrospective study. Methods We determined the battery lifetimes of DBS generators that had been implanted in our department. The inclusion criterion was the initial implantation of a Kinetra ® generator that was later replaced by an Activa-PC ® with adaptor, which itself was subsequently also replaced. These patients were compared to an Activa-PC ® control group without adaptor but identical with regard to number of battery exchanges, disease and target. Results There were 28 patients in the study group and 14 in the control group. Battery lifetime of the Activa-PC ® with adaptor (32.4 ± 7.7 months) was significantly shorter than the one of the Kinetra ® (53.5 ± 15.7 months, p = 0.000006). The battery life of Activa-PC ® without adaptor (35.3 ± 8.2 months) did not differ significantly from that of the Activa-PC ® with adaptor (p=0.333). Conclusion The battery lifetime in a replacement Activa-PC ® is shorter than that in the original Kinetra ® generator. Adaptors have no significant effect on battery life. Patients should be informed that the battery in their new generator must be checked more frequently than before.