Synapse NeuRx Information And Instruction Manual

NeuRxDiaphragmPacingSystem®

Patient/CaregiverInformationand
InstructionManual

ForAmyotrophicLateralSclerosis

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GLOSSARY OF TERMS .............................................................................................. 3

DEVICE DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................. 5

CONTRAINDICATIONS ............................................................................................... 8

INDICATIONS FOR USE ............................................................................................. 8

INFORMATION ON CONDITION OR DISEASE .......................................................... 8

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS .............................................................................. 9

RISKS AND PROBABLE BENEFITS ......................................................................... 12

ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES AND TREATMENTS ............................................... 17

BEFORE SURGERY: WHAT TO EXPECT ............................................................... 18

SURGERY: WHAT TO EXPECT ............................................................................... 18

AFTER SURGERY: WHAT TO EXPECT .................................................................. 19

FUNCTIONAL FEATURES ........................................................................................ 20

CONDITIONING SESSION ........................................................................................ 22

CONDITIONING WARNINGS .................................................................................... 25

BATTERY INSTALLATION ........................................................................................ 25

ALARMS .................................................................................................................... 28

CARE OF PATIENT CABLE ...................................................................................... 28

CARE OF THE EXITING ELECTRODE WIRES ........................................................ 29

CARE OF EXIT SITES AND CONNECTOR .............................................................. 29

CARE OF EXIT SITES ............................................................................................... 30

HOW TO SHOWER OR BATHE ................................................................................ 34

CLEANING OF COMPONENTS ................................................................................ 35

TROUBLESHOOTING – NeuRx® EPG ...................................................................... 35

BACKUP INDIFFERENT ELECTRODE INTERCONNECT ........................................ 38

CLINICAL STUDIES ................................................................................................... 41

WARRANTY STATEMENT ........................................................................................ 41

TRAVELING WITH THE NeuRx DPS® ....................................................................... 42

SERVICE ................................................................................................................... 42

REPLACEMENT PARTS ........................................................................................... 42

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF PARTS ................................................................... 42

SPECIFICATIONS (DETAILS OF DEVICE OPERATION) ......................................... 43

LABEL SYMBOLS ...................................................................................................... 44

USER ASSISTANCE .................................................................................................. 45

2

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

 Alcohol Wipe – individually packaged pad saturated with 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Used to cleanse the skin’s surface. For single use only.

 ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) – See the section of this manual called

Information on Condition or Disease.

 Arrhythmia – when your heart is beating either very slow, very fast or it feels like it

skips a beat. It is also called an irregular heartbeat.

 Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) – a blood test that measures the amounts of gases in

the blood. The gases measured are oxygen and carbon dioxide.

 Backup Indifferent Electrode Interconnect – can be used instead of the

“indifferent electrode” if that part fails. (“Indifferent Electrode” is explained further
down in this glossary.) The difference is that it goes on the skin instead of under
the skin.

 Capnothorax – a complication caused by air going through the diaphragm and

into your chest during the surgical procedure.

 Chronic Hypoventilation – state in which too little air enters the lungs. This

causes low levels of oxygen and high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. This
can be due to breathing that is not deep enough or too slow.

 Conditioning – use of the NeuRx DPS® to cause the breathing muscle

(diaphragm) to contract.

 Connector Holder – plastic shell which holds the electrode connector against the

skin. Sticks to the skin with an adhesive like a bandage.

 Covering Bandage – a bandage that covers the electrode wires where they come

out through the skin.

 Diaphragm – the main muscle that is used for breathing.

 Diathermy Treatment – deep tissue heat treatment using energy from an

electrical device.

 DPS – See NeuRx DPS®.

 ECG (electrocardiogram) – test to check the electrical activity of the heart. The

test helps to see if there has been a heart attack, an irregular heartbeat, or other
heart problems.

 Electrode Connector – a part of the NeuRx DPS® which connects the electrode

wires to the patient cable.

 Electrode Wire – See Percutaneous Electrode Wire.

 EPG (NeuRx DPS® External Pulse Generator) (stimulator) – the part of the NeuRx

DPS® System that puts out the electrical signal which stimulates the diaphragm. It

3

runs on batteries. It is outside the body. It is connected (through the electrode
connector) to the electrode wires which go into the diaphragm.

 Exit Site (electrode wire exit site) – place where an electrode wire passes

through your skin.

 Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) – the volume of air that one can exhale from the

lungs with force.

 Indifferent Electrode – the one wire which is placed under the skin in the chest

area.

 Laparoscope – a small surgeon’s tool with a camera on the end. The surgeon

puts it into the abdomen through a half inch long incision. It lets the surgeon look
inside the abdomen without the need for a large incision.

 Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP or PImax) – a measure of how well one can

breathe in.

 NeuRx DPS® (Diaphragm Pacing System) – device which sends a small amount of

electricity to the diaphragm muscle. This makes the diaphragm contract. Parts
include the electrode wires, the external pulse generator (“EPG”) box, and the
patient cable.

 Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) – breathing help from a small machine that uses a

mask that fits over the nose or nose and mouth.

 Patient Cable – cable which connects the NeuRx® EPG (external pulse generator

box) to the electrode wires. It carries the electrical signal from the NeuRx EPG® to
the wires.

 Percutaneous Electrode Wire – thin wire which is used to send a small amount of

electricity to the diaphragm muscle. One end of the wire is implanted in the
diaphragm. The other end is inserted in an electrode connector outside the body
over the chest area.

 Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) – a tube through which nutrition

is given. It is inserted by a surgeon through the skin and into the stomach.

 Phrenic Nerves – the nerves which carry the signals that tell your diaphragm to

either inhale or exhale.

 Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) – breathing tests that show how well your lungs

are working (exhaling and inhaling). One such test checks the maximum amount
of air you can force out of your lungs (forced vital capacity or FVC). Another test
checks how strong your breathing muscles are when you breathe in (maximum
inspiratory pressure or MIP).

 Stimulator – See EPG (External Pulse Generator).

4

DEVICE DESCRIPTION

The name of the device is the NeuRx Diaphragm Pacing System (DPS)®. The NeuRx
DPS® has implantable parts and external parts. The implantable parts consist of five
electrode wires which go through the skin. The tips of four electrode wires are placed
into the diaphragm by your surgeon. The diaphragm is the breathing muscle. The tip
of the fifth electrode wire is placed under the skin in the chest area to complete the
wiring. The other ends of the five electrode wires come out through the skin in the
chest area. The outside ends of the electrode wires will be placed in an electrode
connector. The electrode connector is attached to the skin with the connector holder.
The connector holder has an adhesive patch like a bandage. The electrode connector
has a socket to plug in one end of the patient cable. The other end of the patient
cable is connected to the NeuRx® EPG. The NeuRx® External Pulse Generator (EPG)
is a stimulator box.

The patient kit contains the external parts. These parts include the NeuRx® EPG,
patient cables, batteries and connector holders. The patient cable goes between the
EPG and the electrode connector. The EPG is programmed by your healthcare
provider. The EPG sends electrical signals to the diaphragm. The signal causes the
muscle to contract in order to condition the muscle.

See Figure 1 on page 6 for a picture of the NeuRxTM EPG, patient cable, connector
holder, electrode connector, and electrode wires. See Figure 2 on page 7 for a
drawing showing where the electrode wires are implanted in the body. This drawing
also shows the position of the electrode wires, the patient cable, and the NeuRx EPG.

5

r

r

Electrode

Wires

Connector

Holde

Patient

Cable

Electrode

Connecto

NeuRx®

External

Pulse

Generator

(EPG)

Figure 1. NeuRxTM External Pulse Generator (EPG), Patient Cable, Connector
Holder, Electrode Connector, and Electrode Wires.

6

B

A

Figure 2. Location in the body where the four NeuRxTM DPS electrode wires (A) are
implanted in the diaphragm. A yellow arrow points to each of the four wire implant
locations. The patient cable (B) carries the electrical signal from the EPG (C) to the
electrode wires (A) which stimulate the diaphragm to contract.

C

7

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Are there Any Reasons Why You Should Not Use the NeuRx Diaphragm Pacing
System (Contraindications)? None.

INDICATIONS FOR USE

HUMANITARIAN USE DEVICE

Humanitarian Device. Authorized by Federal law for use in the treatment of chronic
hypoventilation in ALS patients. The effectiveness of this device for this use has not
been demonstrated.

CAUTION: Federal law (USA) restricts this device to sale, distribution and use by or
on the order of a physician.

The NeuRx Diaphragm Pacing System (DPS)® is a device. It is meant for patients
who have both ALS and diagnosed breathing problems. For the NeuRx DPS® to
work, your breathing muscle (diaphragm) must be able to respond to stimulation. This
can be shown before surgery by a diaphragm movement test or by a breathing nerve
test. You must be able to exhale at least 45% of the air that a typical healthy person
could (in an “FVC” test). You must also be 21 years of age or older.

The breathing nerves (phrenic nerves) provide a path from the spinal cord to the
diaphragm. It is over this path that your brain sends messages to inhale. Both the
right and left phrenic nerves must be at least partially working for the NeuRx DPS® to
work. Your phrenic nerves can be tested by your neurologist.

See BEFORE SURGERY: WHAT TO EXPECT for information about these tests.

INFORMATION ON CONDITION OR DISEASE

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that affects nerve cells in the brain
and the spinal cord. Certain nerve cells called motor neurons reach from the brain to
the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. When
the motor neurons die because of ALS, the ability of the brain to start and control
muscle movement is lost. Patients in the later stages of the disease may become
totally paralyzed.

Often ALS affects the motor neurons which reach to the muscles used in breathing. In
this way, ALS can cause the breathing problems described in the Indications for Use
section above.

For more about ALS see the website of the ALS Association: www.alsa.org/about-als

8

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: If you use the device full time, then you must always have a back-up

means of breathing help (ventilation) available. If you do not feel that you are
receiving enough breathing help from the NeuRx DPS®, then you should use your
back-up means right away. If you think there is any problem with your NeuRx DPS®,
then you should use your back-up means right away. When you switch to your back­up means of breathing help, you should turn off the NeuRx DPS®.

WARNING: If this device is not used properly, it may cause injury or electrical hazard.
Follow your healthcare provider’s directions in the use of the NeuRx DPS®.

WARNING: Do NOT use the NeuRx DPS® if you are pregnant. It is unknown if it is
safe to use the NeuRx DPS® if you are pregnant. The clinical trial did not involve
pregnant women.

WARNING: Avoid eating or drinking while conditioning with the NeuRx DPS®. There
is a risk of food or liquid entering your lungs. Do NOT have any food or liquid in
your mouth when you start conditioning. If you use the NeuRx DPS® full time, talk
to your healthcare provider who is helping you with your NeuRx DPS® about the ways
to reduce the risk of food or liquid entering your lungs.

WARNING: NeuRx DPS® could interfere with some medical equipment. Some
medical equipment could interfere with the NeuRx DPS®. Call your healthcare
provider who is helping you with your NeuRx DPS® before having any of the following:

 Implanted cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator. The NeuRx DPS® may

interfere with these devices. There is not enough information to know for sure
whether your NeuRx DPS® can be used safely with these devices. Your
healthcare provider should get an opinion from a specialist. Your healthcare
provider should also test whether your NeuRx DPS® interferes with devices like
these if you need them.

 Surgery. Use of high-frequency surgical equipment may cause burns where

the electrode wires pass through the skin. It might also damage the NeuRx®
EPG if connected.

 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test. The NeuRx DPS® has not been

tested with MRI. MRI could cause the electrode wires to move. MRI could also
cause unwanted tissue heating through the electrode wires.

 Diathermy treatment. Diathermy treatment is deep tissue heat treatment. It

should not be done around the implanted electrode wires. Unwanted tissue
heating through the electrode wires could occur.

9

 External electrical stimulation such as transcutaneous electrical nerve

stimulation (TENS). Such stimulation should not be done in the chest area

near the electrode wires. Unwanted diaphragm contraction could occur.

 Shortwave or microwave therapy. Operating the NeuRx DPS® close to

(about 3 feet from) such equipment may interfere with your NeuRx DPS®.

WARNING: Do NOT use this device if the skin around the electrode wires gets
swollen, infected, or inflamed. Call your healthcare provider who is helping you with

your NeuRx DPS®.

WARNING — FLAMMABILITY: Do NOT use the NeuRx® EPG in rooms or spaces
where oxygen is being used. This could cause a fire.

CAUTION: Federal law (USA) restricts this device to sale, distribution and use by or

on the order of a physician.

CAUTION: If you think the device is not providing enough stimulation, then call your
healthcare provider who is helping you with your NeuRx DPS®. This could mean that
the NeuRx DPS® may not cause your diaphragm to contract.

CAUTION: Some patients may feel skin irritation or sensitivity because of the NeuRx
DPS®. This may be due to the stimulation. It may also be due to the adhesive on the
skin bandage. It could also be due to the transparent dressing used over the gauze
that covers the electrode wires. (Tegaderm™ and Op-Site™ are examples of
transparent dressings.) Call your healthcare provider who is helping you with your
NeuRx DPS® if this occurs. Irritation can usually be reduced by changing the settings
of the EPG or removing the adhesive.

CAUTION: Avoid touching the patient cable or electrode wires to other metal objects.
Metal objects can conduct electricity. You may accidently get shocked from another
metal surface.

CAUTION: To avoid damage to the device, keep this device out of the reach of
children.

CAUTION: Do NOT attempt to open the NeuRx® External Pulse Generator (EPG).
Doing so can damage the device.

CAUTION: To protect the NeuRx® EPG against damage due to mechanical shock:

 Do NOT drop the NeuRx® EPG. The EPG may break and not be available for

use when needed.

 Use the protective black carrying case provided for transporting the NeuRx®

EPG when not in use.

10

CAUTION: To protect the NeuRx® EPG against damage due to moisture, do NOT
allow the NeuRx® EPG to get wet. The EPG may quit working and not be available

for use when needed.

CAUTION: Do NOT get wet while using the NeuRx® EPG. This includes bathing,
showering, swimming, or any other activity in which you could get wet. While the
NeuRx® EPG is designed to keep moisture out, the EPG is not waterproof. If the
location where the electrode wires pass through your skin (the exit sites) gets wet, it
may affect treatment. You may receive less stimulation. You may also feel the
sensation of the stimulation. Take steps to keep the exit sites from getting wet.
Protect the exit sites with a gauze pad and transparent dressing (such as Tegaderm™
or Op-Site™). If the exit site gets wet, clean it with an alcohol wipe. Use an
individually packaged pad saturated with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Allow the alcohol to
air dry before use.

CAUTION: Do NOT have the EPG connected during any type of electrical
diagnostic test such as an electromyogram (EMG) or electrocardiogram (ECG).

The use of the EPG during such tests could interfere with those tests.

CAUTION — ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE: Some electrically powered
equipment gives off electromagnetic waves which could interfere with your NeuRx®
EPG.

 When using your NeuRx® EPG around electrical equipment, check the NeuRx®

EPG screen to make sure the EPG is working.

 To reduce the possibility of interference from other electrical equipment, do

NOT use cables or accessories with your NeuRx® EPG other than those
specified.

11

RISKS AND PROBABLE BENEFITS

INTRODUCTION

The NeuRx DPS® System was evaluated in a clinical study. The study involved 106
patients at 9 hospitals (8 in the U.S. and 1 in France). From the 106 patients in the
study, 86 would have met the indications for the NeuRx DPS®. The results discussed
here are from those 86 patients. The results show that the benefits of using the
NeuRx DPS® System outweigh the health risks. Risks and probable benefits of the
NeuRx DPS® are described below. The results of the clinical study are also
described.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE RISKS

There are risks of the surgery to implant the electrode wires. These serious adverse
effects were seen in the study:

 Breathing failure occurred in one of the 86 patients in the study after surgery. This

patient also had a feeding tube inserted during the DPS surgery. The feeding tube
moved out of place and caused problems. Those problems led to the patient
needing breathing support, through a tube in their throat, from a breathing
machine.

 Problems caused by the abdominal air getting through the diaphragm and going

into the chest cavity during the surgery (capnothorax). This happened in 15 out of
86 patients in the study (in about 1 out of every 6 patients). Two of these patients
(in about 1 out of every 43 patients) needed special treatment for this problem. In
one case, a small tube was placed in the chest for a short time. In one case, the
patient had to stay in the hospital longer than normal. In the other 13 patients (in
about 1 out of every 7 patients), the problem went away on its own.

 Reaction to anesthesia. One patient had a serious reaction to anesthesia. After

starting anesthesia in the operating room the patient had a low heart rate and low
blood pressure. The surgery was then cancelled before any incision was made.

12

Table 1. Serious adverse events from the study which related to the device or the
surgery.

Serious

Adverse Event

capnothorax

Reported

Occurrence

(Likelihood) of

Serious Adverse

Event

2 out of 86

patients

(1 out of every 43

patients)

(2.3%)

Adverse Effect

catheter placement

extended
hospitalization

Reported

Occurrence
(Likelihood) of
Adverse Effect

1 out of 2

patients who

had serious

capnothorax

1 out of 2

patients who

had serious

capnothorax

1 out of 1

respiratory

failure

anesthesia

reaction

*87 patients = the 86 patients who were implanted and the 1 patient who was not
implanted because of anesthesia reaction

There are other surgical risks which were not seen in the clinical study. These include:

 Nerve, tissue or organ damage as a result of the procedure.

 Irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia) when the electrode wires are implanted

in the chest.

1 out of 86

patients

(1.2%)

1 out of 87*

patients

(1.1%)

tracheostomy,
mechanical ventilation

low heart rate
(bradycardia), low blood
pressure (hypotension),
and cancellation of
surgery

patient who had

respiratory

failure related to

the surgery

1 out of 1

patient who had

serious

anesthesia

reaction

13

DEVICE RISKS

Once the surgery is over and you have recovered, there are risks associated with
having the NeuRx DPS

®

System. The following adverse effects were seen in the

study but none were considered serious:

Table 2. Adverse events related to the device (other than due to surgery). All were
non-serious.

Device

Adverse Event

infection where
electrode wire
passes through
skin (exit site)

discomfort from
stimulation

Reported

Occurrence

(Likelihood) of

Device Adverse

Event

8 out of 86

patients

(1 out of every 11

patients)

22 out of 86

patients

(1 out of every 4

patients)

(About Adverse Effects,

 7 resolved with antibiotics.

 1 resolved after the wires were adjusted

in the healthcare provider’s office.

 None required removal of the wires.

 Resolved in 20 patients.

 Unresolved in 2 patients but tolerable

(the patients continued using the NeuRx
DPS®).

Notes

Resolution, etc.)

wire leading to
diaphragm –
break outside
the body

wire under skin
in chest area
(indifferent
electrode) –
break outside
the body

28 out of 86

patients

(about 1 out of

every 3 patients)

18 out of 86

patients

(about 1 out of

every 5 patients)

 Affected wire does not deliver therapy

until repaired.

 Requires healthcare provider

appointment to repair.

 No patients had to return to surgery to

fix.

 The NeuRx DPS system does not

deliver therapy until repair.

 Requires healthcare provider

appointment to repair.

 No patients had to return to surgery to

fix.

14

Device

Adverse Event

wire under skin
in chest area
(indifferent
electrode)
came out of the
body

broken NeuRx®
EPG
(stimulator)

Reported

Occurrence

(Likelihood) of

Device Adverse

Event

6 out of 86

patients

(in about 1 out of

every 14 patients)

6 out of 86

patients

(in about 1 out of

every 14 patients)

Notes

(About Adverse Effects,

Resolution, etc.)

 No patients had to return to surgery to

fix.

 Fix involves reinserting the wire under

the skin in the healthcare provider’s
office under topical anesthetic.

 Patient may temporarily use an

alternate part (the backup indifferent
electrode interconnect) until an
appointment can be made for the
healthcare provider to reinsert the wire
under the skin.

No NeuRx DPS® therapy can occur
without a working NeuRx® EPG. A
replacement NeuRx® EPG can be shipped
to the patient.

broken patient
cables

pain where
electrode wire
passes through
skin (exit site)

skin irritation or
inflammation

4 out of 86

patients

(in about 1 out of
every 22 patients)

3 out of 86

patients

(about 1 out of

every 29 patients)

5 out of 86

patients

(about 1 out of

every 17 patients)

No NeuRx DPS® therapy can occur
without a working patient cable. Two
cables are provided with each kit. The
patient cables are meant to be disposable.
More replacement cables can be shipped
to patient.

 All 3 cases were “mild” pain.

 One case resolved in 12 days. One

case resolved in 5 days.

 One case did not resolve. The

healthcare provider’s report described
said that pain was “really mild and
occurs rarely”.

 All 5 cases were “mild” in severity.

 All cases resolved within a month and a

half (except one case in which the time
to resolve was unknown). The average
time to resolve was 18 days. The
longest known time to resolve was 43
days.

15

There are some device risks which were not seen in the study but are considered
possible. These device risks include:

 Food or liquid entering your lungs while using the device.

 Bleeding where the electrode wire tip is attached to the diaphragm muscle.

 Electrode wire breaks inside the body. This could lead to a loss of therapy or

less therapy. It could require another surgical procedure to correct.

 Allergic reaction to the materials which are used in the electrode wires.

 Use of the NeuRx DPS® causing problems with devices such as heart

pacemakers and defibrillators. (See the warning about this under Warnings
and Precautions in this manual.)

 Problem interactions with some medical equipment:

o High-frequency surgical equipment may cause burns where the

electrode wires pass through the skin. It might also damage the NeuRx®
EPG if connected.

o MRI could cause the electrode wires to move. MRI could also cause

unwanted tissue heating through the electrode wires.

o Diathermy treatment equipment used for deep tissue heat treatment.

Unwanted tissue heating through the electrode wires could occur.

o External electrical stimulation such as transcutaneous electrical nerve

stimulation (TENS). If this is performed in the chest area near the
electrode wires, unwanted diaphragm contraction could occur.

o Shortwave or microwave therapy. Operating the NeuRx DPS® close to

(about 3 feet from) such equipment may interfere with your NeuRx
DPS®.

o Electrical diagnostic test equipment such as an electromyogram (EMG)

or electrocardiogram (ECG). The use of the EPG during such tests could
interfere with those tests.

 Impeding treatment if the location where the electrode wires pass through your

skin (the exit sites) gets wet.

 Electromagnetic interference: Some electrically powered equipment gives off

electromagnetic waves which could interfere with your NeuRx® EPG.

 Accidently getting shocked from another metal surface if the patient cable or

electrode wires touch other metal objects.

16

PROBABLE BENEFITS

You may get help from the NeuRx DPS® because in a study:

 The patients who used the NeuRx DPS® plus non-invasive ventilation (NIV)

survived 16 months longer (on average) than patients who just used NIV. This
16 month time frame is from the time of diagnosis. Survival time was measured
until death or the need for a full time ventilator and a tube in the throat
(tracheostomy). The patients who just used NIV were similar patients in a
different study.

 The patients who used the NeuRx DPS® plus NIV survived 9 months longer (on

average) than patients who just used NIV. This is from the time they started
using NIV.

 Some patients had a feeding tube placed with the NeuRx DPS®. All of these

patients survived past 30 days. Normally, 2 to 25 patients out of 100 (up to a
fourth of all patients) would not survive this long.

 Some patients could not get used to or were unable to use NIV but used the

NeuRx DPS®. They survived an average of 16 months after getting the NeuRx
DPS®.

 Some patients had their sleep tested after using the NeuRx DPS® for 4 months.

They tended to have better sleep than before they received NeuRx DPS®.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Another study was done after the Food and Drug Administration approved the NeuRx
DPS®. The “post-approval study” involved 60 patients at 10 hospitals in the U.S. The
study results are in a report called the “Post-Approval Clinical Study Summary”
(document 77-0088) available from your doctor or Synapse Biomedical, Inc. (To
request a copy, call Synapse Biomedical Customer Service at 1-440-774-2488
extension 137 or email [e-mail].)

ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES AND

TREATMENTS

Other breathing treatments exist for patients with ALS. These include non-invasive
ventilation through a mask or invasive ventilation with a tube through the throat.

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV). The common device used for NIV is a bilevel or
continuous positive airway pressure machine. These supply air to the mouth or nose.
The choice of mask depends on fit, air leaks, looks, and claustrophobic concerns. A
number of current papers show NIV may help patients with ALS. Current treatment

17

advice is that all patients with ALS and respiratory symptoms, or an FVC less than
50%, should be offered NIV. In general, NIV may be used with the NeuRx DPS®.

Mechanical ventilation. At some point, ALS reduces the ability to breathe so much
that invasive ventilation becomes the only choice for survival. Invasive ventilation
uses a tube placed through the throat connected to a ventilator. This can prolong life
for several years.

BEFORE SURGERY: WHAT TO EXPECT

Your healthcare provider will need to do breathing tests to see if your breathing
problems can be treated using the NeuRx DPS®. These tests include checking how
well your lungs are working (breathing out and breathing in). One test checks the
maximum amount of air you can force out of your lungs (forced vital capacity or FVC).
Another test checks how strong your breathing muscles are when you breathe in. A
blood test may be done to see how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your
blood. In another test, a small monitor is placed over your finger during sleep. The
monitor measures the level of oxygen in your blood. The results of any one of these
tests can show if you could be a candidate for the NeuRx DPS®.

SURGERY: WHAT TO EXPECT

The surgeon will make a short cut (incision) in the skin of your abdomen. This incision
will give the surgeon access to your diaphragm. The incision will be about half an inch
long. A tube will be placed into the incision. Carbon dioxide gas will be pumped
through the tube to fill your abdomen. A small tool with a camera on the end
(laparoscope) will be inserted into the tube in your abdomen. After the surgeon looks
into your abdomen, 3 more incisions will be made. These incisions will also be about
half an inch long. A tube will be placed in each incision for the surgeon to work
through.

The surgeon will then insert a tool called a probe through one of the tubes. The probe
will help the surgeon find the best location to place the electrode wire tips in the
diaphragm. The surgeon will use the probe to test several locations on the
diaphragm.

Once the surgeon has found the 4 best locations, the surgeon will remove the probe.
The surgeon will then insert the tips of 4 electrode wires in these locations. The
surgeon will put the other ends of the 4 electrode wires on the outside of your body.
These 4 wires will come out through your skin in the same area. A fifth electrode wire
is then placed just beneath the skin in the same area to complete the wiring.

18

After surgery, you will be able to see about 1 to 2 inches of each electrode wire
outside your body.

After surgery you may have an x-ray. This is done to check for abdominal air that may
have gone to your chest (capnothorax). If needed, a tube may be placed in your chest
to remove the carbon dioxide. After the surgery, your surgeon will decide how long
you will have to stay in the hospital.

AFTER SURGERY: WHAT TO EXPECT

Your NeuRx DPS® may be implanted as a same-day surgery. Depending on your
condition before and after surgery, you may need to spend the night. If you have a
second procedure at the same time as your DPS implant you may need a longer stay
in the hospital. You should discuss this with your surgeon prior to surgery.



While you are recovering from surgery, a healthcare provider will adjust the settings
on your NeuRx® EPG. The purpose is to give the right amount of stimulation to your
diaphragm. If the stimulation makes you uncomfortable, tell your healthcare provider.
He or she can change the settings to reduce or eliminate the discomfort.

Before you leave the hospital, the staff will give you detailed instructions on how to
use the NeuRx DPS®. You will also be given this manual. You will use the NeuRx®
DPS to condition your diaphragm. In conditioning, the NeuRx® EPG sends a small
amount of electricity through the wires to your diaphragm. This causes your
diaphragm to contract. When your diaphragm is conditioned, it will do a better job of
helping your breathing. See the sections on Conditioning Sessions and Conditioning
Warnings for information about conditioning your diaphragm.

You will need to keep dry while using the NeuRx® EPG. The NeuRx® EPG is not
waterproof. Refer to the section “HOW TO SHOWER OR BATHE” on page 34 for
instructions on bathing, showering, swimming, or any activity during which you could
get wet.

If your NeuRx® EPG is properly cared for, the device should keep working for years.
However, you will need to change the battery in your NeuRx® EPG about every 500
hours of use. The following sections will walk you through the use, care and
troubleshooting of the NeuRx® EPG.

19

FUNCTIONAL FEATURES

To turn the NeuRx® EPG ON: Press and release the two buttons on the front of the
NeuRx

To turn the NeuRx® EPG OFF: Press and release the two buttons on the front of the
NeuRx® EPG at the same time.

The buttons must be pressed at the same time. This is a safety feature to guard
against accidentally turning the EPG on or off (Figure 3).

The NeuRx® EPG has a screen that shows what the NeuRx® EPG is currently doing
and if it is working properly.

The NeuRx® EPG screen shows the breaths-per-minute (BPM) and when the
individual electrode wires are active. When the EPG sends electricity to the
diaphragm to trigger inhaling, a letter “A”, “B” or “C” is shown below each of the
electrode wire numbers (1, 2, 3, and 4). This shows that the NeuRx® EPG is working
properly. The example in Figure 4 below shows the NeuRx® EPG with “AAAA” on its
screen. This means that it is working properly during inhaling. When any letter “A”,
“B” or “C” appears below the electrode wire numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4, it means that the
NeuRx® EPG is working. Other examples could be “AABB”, “BABA”, “BACC”,
“BBBB”, “BBCC”, “CCCC”, etc., just as long “A”, “B” or “C” appears below each of the
four electrode wire numbers.

®

EPG at the same time.

Figure 3. On/Off Buttons.

Figure 4. “A”, “B” or “C” showing that the NeuRx® EPG is working properly during

inhaling for each electrode wire (number 1, 2, 3, or 4).

20

During exhaling, a ‘-’ character is shown below each electrode number (1, 2, 3, and 4)
on the screen (Figure 5). This means that the NeuRx® EPG is not active. It is not
sending electrical stimulation.

Figure 5. “-“ shows that the NeuRx® EPG is not active for each wire (number 1, 2, 3,

and 4) during exhaling.

Your NeuRx® EPG has been programmed with settings that your healthcare provider
determines are right for you. A “?” appearing below an electrode number (1, 2, 3, or

4) on the screen can occur normally when the EPG’s electric signal is at a low level
(Figure 6). Later the “?” should switch to a letter (A, B, or C) when the EPG’s electric
signal level gets high enough.

Figure 6. “?“ below an associated electrode wire (number 1, 2, 3, or 4) can occur

normally when the EPG’s electric signal is at a low level.

If ‘X’ appears below an electrode wire number (Figure 7), it could mean one of these
things:

21

 The wire is broken.
 The wire is loose in the electrode connector.
 The patient cable is broken
 The patient cable is not connected properly.
 The NeuRx® EPG is broken.

Please follow the troubleshooting guide provided in this manual. If you see that an
electrode wire is loose or broken, call your healthcare provider who is helping you with
your NeuRx DPS® to discuss how to get it repaired.

Figure 7. "X" could mean loose or broken electrode wires or patient cable or a broken
EPG.

CONDITIONING SESSION

You will use the NeuRx® DPS to condition your diaphragm. In conditioning, the
NeuRx® EPG sends a small amount of electricity through the wires to your diaphragm.
This causes your diaphragm to contract. When your diaphragm is conditioned, it will
do a better job of helping your breathing.

Your healthcare provider will tell you how to use the NeuRx® EPG. You should
condition your diaphragm with the NeuRx® EPG at least 3 times per day. Each
session should last at least 30 minutes. You may find it helpful to use the NeuRx®
EPG for longer periods to help with breathing. The NeuRx® EPG may be used at the
same time as non-invasive ventilation. You may also sleep with the NeuRx® EPG to
assist with breathing difficulties at night.

At visits to your ALS healthcare provider, the settings of your NeuRx® EPG may be
adjusted as needed. The number of “breaths” or stimulations you receive per minute
may be changed. The “power” or charge of each stimulation may also be changed.

22

The following describes the process for a single conditioning session:

1. Wash and dry your hands before starting the conditioning session.

2. Clear secretions from your mouth before you condition. Do this again
throughout the conditioning session.

3. Connect the patient cable to the electrode connector. To do this, hold the
electrode connector between two fingers. Slide the patient cable into the
connector holder. Secure the patient cable to the electrode connector (Figure

8).

Figure 8. Connecting the patient cable to the electrode connector.

4. Insert the other end of the patient cable into the top of the NeuRx® EPG. To do
this, line up the arrows on the patient cable with the top of the EPG. Push the
cable into the connection until it is secure (Figure 9).

Figure 9. Connecting the patient cable to the NeuRx® EPG.

23

5. Press the two buttons at the same time to turn the NeuRx® EPG on.

6. When the conditioning session is over, press the two buttons at the same time
to turn the NeuRx® EPG off.

7. To disconnect the patient cable from the NeuRx

®

EPG, firmly hold the EPG in

one hand. Grasp the cable with two fingers as shown and pull (Figure 10).

Figure 10. Disconnecting the patient cable.

8. Disconnect the patient cable from the electrode connector. To do this, hold the
electrode connector between two fingers. Gently pull the patient cable out of
the connector holder (Figure 11).

Figure 11. Disconnecting the patient cable from the electrode connector.

9. Store all items in the patient kit provided.

24

CONDITIONING WARNINGS

STOP the conditioning session if:

 You notice any change in heart rate or a feeling of chest discomfort.
 You have shortness of breath or if any discomfort persists or worsens.
 You want to eat or drink.
 You cannot manage secretions.

WARNING: Avoid eating or drinking while conditioning with the NeuRx DPS®. There
is a risk of food or liquid entering your lungs. Do NOT have any food or liquid in
your mouth when you start conditioning. If you use the NeuRx DPS® full time, talk
to your healthcare provider who is helping you with your NeuRx DPS® about the ways
to reduce the risk of food or liquid entering your lungs.

CAUTION: Do NOT bathe, shower, swim or participate in any other aquatic
activities while using the NeuRx® EPG. The NeuRx® EPG is not waterproof. If the

exit site gets wet, clean it with an alcohol wipe. Use an individually packaged pad
saturated with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Allow the alcohol to air dry before use. (See
additional information under the Warnings and Precautions section.)

BATTERY INSTALLATION

Replace the battery every 500 hours of NeuRx DPS® use. This is about every 20
days if you are using NeuRx DPS® full time. The NeuRx® EPG screen will initially
show “REPLACE BATT”. It will alarm for 10 seconds every hour when your battery
needs to be replaced. Replace the battery immediately if the NeuRx® EPG screen
shows “LOW BATTERY” and if the NeuRx® EPG alarms for 20 seconds every minute.

WARNING: The NeuRx® EPG has a lithium battery. Take care to prevent fire or
explosion. Do NOT short-circuit, recharge, puncture, burn, or crush the battery.

Do NOT immerse the battery in water. Do NOT expose the battery to
temperatures above 302ºF (150 C).

To change the battery, follow these instructions:

1. Make sure that the NeuRx® EPG is turned OFF prior to replacing the battery.

2. Use the provided flat blade screwdriver to loosen the screws on the back
bottom of the NeuRx® EPG. Remove the battery cover located on the back
bottom of the NeuRx® EPG (Figure 12).

3. Remove the old battery. Replace it with a new battery (Figure 13).

25

 IMPORTANT: Use only the kind of battery specified in this manual. Do

NOT use a standard alkaline battery in the NeuRx® EPG.

 IMPORTANT: Put the battery in the correct position (see Figure 13 on

page 27).

4. Replace the battery cover and secure with mounting screws.

5. Follow the local regulations when you dispose of old batteries.

Figure 12. Loosen these screws on the battery cover to replace battery.

26

Figure 13. Replacing the disposable battery.

27

ALARMS

The NeuRx® EPG sounds an alarm if it detects any of the following problems:

 A beep lasting the duration of each inhaled breath will sound:

o if the patient cable gets disconnected from the NeuRx® EPG or if the

connection is loose.

o if the patient cable gets disconnected from the electrode connector or if

the connection is loose.

o if an exiting electrode wire is broken at the electrode connector.

The alarm will repeat until the problem is resolved.

 A beep lasting 10 seconds may sound and “REPLACE BATT” appears on the

screen. The 10 second alarm repeats once every hour. This means the
NeuRx® EPG has switched to the internal backup battery. It means that it is
time to replace the main battery.

 A beep lasting 20 seconds may sound and “LOW BATTERY” appears on the

screen. The 20 second alarm repeats once every minute. This means the
internal backup battery is low. It means that it is time to replace the main
battery immediately.

CARE OF PATIENT CABLE

 The patient cable is shown in Figure 14. It runs between the electrode

connector and the NeuRx® EPG (as shown in Figure 1 near the front of this
manual).

 Do NOT cut, kink or pull the patient cable.
 Do NOT manipulate the metal pins in the end pieces of the patient cable.
 Do NOT immerse the patient cable in water.
 Keep extra patient cables in a dry secure location.
 When in use, the one end of the patient cable should fit securely into the

electrode connector. The other end should fit securely into the NeuRx® EPG.

 Arrange the patient cable so that it is comfortable. It should allow you to move

around without pulling on the exit site connector.

 Call your healthcare provider if you need replacement cables.

28

Figure 14. Patient Cable.

CARE OF THE EXITING ELECTRODE WIRES

 Do NOT pull on the electrode wires coming through the skin.
 Do NOT cut the electrode wires.
 Use extreme caution when shaving the skin around the electrode wire exit site.

CARE OF EXIT SITES AND CONNECTOR

 Keep the skin at the exit sites clean and dry.
 Do NOT scratch skin at exit sites.
 Clean the exit sites with an alcohol wipe. Use an individually packaged pad

saturated with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Allow the alcohol to air dry before use.
Then place a gauze dressing over the exit site. Be sure to cover all the wire
with the gauze. Place a transparent dressing over the gauze. (Tegaderm™
and Op-Site™ are examples of transparent dressings.)

 Change the dressings every 3 days or more often if the dressing becomes wet

or soiled.

 If the area becomes red, swollen, painful, or drainage appears, call your

healthcare provider.

 Avoid touching the metal pins in the electrode connector.
 The connector holder should lie flat against the surface of the skin.
 Call your healthcare provider if any of the exiting electrode wires are frayed or

broken.

 This electrode connector will snap into the connector holder (provided in the

patient kit).

 Call your healthcare provider if the electrode connector appears cracked or

broken.

 You should change the connector holder weekly or if it becomes soiled.
 Follow the steps beginning on the next page under “Care of Exit Sites”.

29

CARE OF EXIT SITES

The steps described below will show you how to take care of the “exit sites”. The exit
sites are the locations where the electrode wires pass through your skin. These steps
will show you how to:

 remove the electrode connector from the old connector holder,
 clean the exit sites, place the electrode connector into a new connector holder,
 apply a new connector holder onto the skin, and
 cover the exiting electrode wires with gauze and transparent dressing.

You should perform these steps every 3 days or more often if the dressing becomes
wet or otherwise soiled.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Do NOT pull the electrode wires. Doing so may pull
more electrode wire from under the skin. (See step 6 below.)

1. Wash and dry your hands before caring for the exit sites.

2. Using two fingers, grasp the electrode connector and tilt it down as shown in
Figure 15.

Figure 15

30

3. Remove the electrode connector from the connector holder. Now remove the
connector holder (Figure 16).

Figure 16

4. Clean the exit sites with an alcohol wipe (with 70% isopropyl alcohol). Always
wipe toward the exit site. Allow the alcohol to air dry before use (Figure 17).

Figure 17

31

5. Once dry, place the electrode connector into a new connector holder as shown
in Figure 18. Snap the electrode connector down into the connector holder.
The gold pins should be facing out for the cable to plug into them.

Figure 18

6. Carefully remove the paper backing from a new connector holder. Make sure
you do NOT pull on the exiting electrode wires (Figure 19).

Figure 19

32

7. Carefully press the new connector holder onto the skin (Figure 20).

Figure 20

8. Place a 2” X 2” gauze pad over the exiting electrode wires (Figure 21).

Figure 21

9. Place a transparent dressing over the gauze. (Tegaderm™ and Op-Site™ are
examples of transparent dressings.) Do NOT cover the gold pins with the

transparent dressing (Figure 22).

Figure 22

33

HOW TO SHOWER OR BATHE

CAUTION: Do NOT get wet while using the NeuRx® EPG. This includes bathing,

showering, or swimming. The NeuRx® EPG is not waterproof. If the exit site gets wet,
clean it with an alcohol wipe. Use an individually packaged pad saturated with 70%
isopropyl alcohol. Allow it to air dry before use. (See more information under the
Warnings and Precautions section.)

The following instructions are written for “bathing”. However, these instructions should
be followed for any activity in which you would get wet.

1. Before bathing, disconnect the patient cable from the electrode connector
(Figure 23).

Figure 23

2. Before bathing, cover the wires and the connector holder with a waterproof
dressing (Figure 24).

Figure 24

34

3. When you are done bathing, carefully uncover the wires and the connector
holder.

4. If you notice moisture on the electrode connector, wipe it with an alcohol wipe.
Use a wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Allow the alcohol to air dry before use.

CLEANING OF COMPONENTS

CAUTION: Do NOT soak the NeuRx® EPG or the patient cable in liquid.

Clean the NeuRx® EPG and the patient cable as needed. Wipe the outside of the
NeuRx® EPG and the patient cable using a clean, damp cloth with an anti-bacterial
cleaning solution. Be sure to wipe away any leftover cleaner.

TROUBLESHOOTING – NeuRx® EPG

If you think that the NeuRx® EPG is not working properly or multiple “X”s appear on
the screen, please follow the steps below:

1. Check the connection between the patient cable and the NeuRx® EPG. Check
the connection between the patient cable and the electrode connector. Make
sure these connections are secure.

2. Replace the patient cable with the spare cable in the patient kit.

3. Disconnect the patient cable from the NeuRx® EPG.

4. Insert the test plug.

a. When the test plug is inserted into the NeuRx® EPG, the screen should

show “AAAA” when activated.

b. If “AAAA” does not appear on the screen or if there is still a problem, call

Synapse Biomedical.

For help with your NeuRx® DPS device, first call your healthcare provider who is
helping you with your NeuRx DPS®. As a back-up you may also call:

Synapse Biomedical Customer Service

U.S. Toll Free: 1-888-767-3770
From outside the U.S.: 001-440-774-2488

35

y

Use the following troubleshooting guide to help solve problems with your NeuRxTM
EPG:

Problem Action

 Check the connection of the patient

cable to the electrode connector.

 Check the connection of the patient

Pacing of the diaphragm stops.

cable to the NeuRx® EPG.

 Try a different patient cable.

 Inspect the connections of the

electrode wires to the electrode
connector for breakage.

STOP use of the NeuRx® EPG and call

Discomfort while pacing.

your healthcare provider who is helping
you with your NeuRx DPS®. The EPG

settings may need adjustment.
Bleeding, bruising, or infection where the
electrode wires pass through the skin.

Call your healthcare provider who is

helping you with your NeuRx DPS®.

STOP use of the NeuRx® EPG and call
Pain at the electrode wire exit site.

your healthcare provider who is helping

ou with your NeuRx DPS®.
Skin irritation or hypersensitivity to
stimulation.

Call your healthcare provider who is
helping you with your NeuRx DPS®.
Try a different patient cable. If the
problem continues, disconnect the
patient cable from the NeuRx® EPG and

Multiple “X”s appear on the NeuRx® EPG
screen.

insert the test plug (found in the patient
kit). If the EPG is working properly, use
the Backup Indifferent Electrode
Interconnect. If the problem continues,
call your healthcare provider who is
helping you with your NeuRx DPS®.

The NeuRx® EPG is exposed to
substantial amount of water or fluid.

STOP use of the NeuRx® EPG. Call your
healthcare provider who is helping you
with your NeuRx DPS®.

 Check the connection of the patient

cable to the electrode connector.

 Check the connection of the patient

Alarm sounds during each stimulation.

cable to the NeuRx® EPG.

 Try a different patient cable.

 Inspect the connections of the

electrode wires to the electrode

connector for breakage.
The NeuRx® EPG beeps for 10 seconds
every hour. (This means the NeuRx®
EPG is running on its backup battery.)

Replace the main battery as described in
this manual. See the Battery Installation
section of this manual for the steps.

36

Problem Action

The NeuRx® EPG beeps for 20 seconds
every minute. (This means the NeuRx®
EPG is running on its backup battery and
the backup battery is getting low.)

Replace the main battery right away.

See the Battery Installation section of this
manual for the steps.

37

BACKUP INDIFFERENT ELECTRODE

INTERCONNECT

The troubleshooting section of this manual may tell you to use the backup indifferent
electrode interconnect. This is called the backup connector for short. It is part

number 22-0026 of the patient kit. The backup connector may be useful when the
indifferent electrode under the skin has failed. This is when the NeuRx® EPG displays
“XXXX” (see Figure 25 below) but the patient cable and EPG still work correctly.

Figure 25. EPG displaying “XXXX”.

Follow these steps to use the backup connector:

1. Disconnect the patient cable from the electrode connector (Figure 26).

Figure 26

38

2. Remove the backup connector (Figure 27) and the surface anode (Figure 28)
from the kit.

Figure 27. Backup Indifferent Electrode

Interconnect Figure 28. Surface Anode Packet

3. Remove one surface anode (Figure 29) from the packet. Connect the brown
cable to the white cable (Figure 30).

Figure 29

39

Figure 30

4. Plug the backup connector into the electrode connector that is secured in the
connector holder (Figure 31 and Figure 32).

Figure 31

5. Remove the plastic backing from the surface anode. Place the surface anode
on the patient near the electrode connector holder. Plug the patient cable into
the backup connector (Figure 33).

Figure 32

Figure 33

40

If steps 1 through 5 were successful, then during conditioning the NeuRx® EPG
screen will show four letters in a row. An example (“AAAA”) is shown Figure 34.
Other examples of correct operation are described under “FUNCTIONAL FEATURES”
on page 20. If the system does not seem to be working correctly, refer to
“TROUBLESHOOTING – NeuRx® EPG” on page 35.

Figure 34. “A”, “B” or “C” showing that the NeuRx® EPG is working properly during

inhaling for each electrode wire (number 1, 2, 3, or 4).

CLINICAL STUDIES

The NeuRx DPS® System was evaluated in a clinical study. The study was done at 9
clinical centers (8 in the U.S. and 1 in France). There were 106 patients with ALS who
received the device. Eighty-six patients had breathing problems like those described
in the NeuRx DPS® Indications for Use. The risks and benefits of the NeuRx DPS®
are based on the results of these 86 patients. See the Risks and Probable Benefits
section of this manual for the study results.

WARRANTY STATEMENT

The NeuRx EPG has a one year unconditional warranty from the date of installation.
The patient cable has a 90-day unconditional warranty from the date of installation.

41

TRAVELING WITH THE NeuRx DPS

The government puts out information for travelers with disabilities and medical
conditions. You should check the Transportation Security Administration website for
the latest advice. The address is:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm

®

SERVICE

You should not try to fix the NeuRx® EPG on your own. Units needing service should
be returned to Synapse Biomedical, Inc.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

The following replacement parts may be ordered from an authorized supplier.

ITEM PART NUMBER ORDER QUANTITY

Patient Cable

Lithium Batteries (3 per pack)
Connector Holder (30 per pack)
Surface Electrodes (4 per pack)

Airline Travel Batteries (3 per pack)

22-0011
22-0020
22-0004
22-0034
22-0021

1 Each
1 pack
1 pack
1 pack
1 pack

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF PARTS

Store all parts at a temperature between +20ºF and +140ºF.

Secure parts in the patient kit provided when not in use.

Dispose of all used connector holders and broken patient cables in the trash.

Follow the local regulations when you dispose of old batteries. Take care to prevent
fire or explosion. Do NOT burn the batteries.

42

SPECIFICATIONS

This section is included to comply with safety standards.

Power Source 3.6-volt lithium battery
Battery Life 500 hours
Operating Temperature +41 to +100ºF
Storage Temperature +20 to +140ºF
Relative Humidity 10% to 85%

Pulse Waveform type regulated-current biphasic
Pulse Amplitude 5mA to 25mA
Pulse Width 10usec to 200usec
Pulse Period 20msec to 250msec

Inspiration Interval 0.8sec to 1.5sec
Inspiration Rate 8 to 18 breaths per minute

(DETAILS OF DEVICE OPERATION)

43

LABEL SYMBOLS

Below is an explanation of the symbols used on this product and its packaging.

SYMBOL EXPLANATION

This symbol appears on the back of your EPG. It is just a
reminder to look into this manual first when you have questions.

This symbol appears on the back of your EPG. It means that the
EPG has been tested to protect you from electrical shock. This is
because the EPG is battery powered. IEC 60601-1, Type BF
Equipment.

This symbol appears on the back of your EPG. It means that the
EPG has met standards in Europe. The device meets Medical
Device Directive 93/42/EEC. This has been certified by notified
body number 0086.

This symbol appears on the back of your EPG. It means that it is

IPX4

protected against splashing water.

This symbol appears on the top of your EPG near the output
connector. It warns that output voltages may approach 50 volt
D.C. while you are using the EPG.

This symbol appears on the back of your EPG. It shows the serial
number of your specific device.

This is the company address outside the U.S.:
Moustapha Diop
156 Place des Aubépines
95680 Montlignon
France

44

USER ASSISTANCE

For assistance with your NeuRx® DPS device including troubleshooting, first call your
healthcare provider who is helping you with your NeuRx DPS®. Below are spaces to
write down your healthcare provider’s name and phone number:

Healthcare Provider Name: ___________________________________________

Healthcare Provider Phone Number: ____________________________________

If you cannot reach your healthcare provider, as a back-up you may also call:

Synapse Biomedical Customer Service

U.S. Toll Free: 1-888-767-3770
From outside the U.S.: 001-440-774-2488

45

46

47

300 Artino Street

Oberlin, Ohio 44074

U.S.A.

www.synapsebiomedical.com

Tel: [phone]

1-440-774-2488

Fax: [phone]

France [phone]

Other European Countries [phone]

© Synapse Biomedical Inc. 2019

All Rights Reserved

77-0055 Rev B