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Dear Paul and other listmembers,

The voltage in the OR is NOT the same as the voltage from the stimulators.
Monopolar stim. requires approximately 1.0 to 2.0 V and bipolar stim. around
2.0 to 3.5 V

However, the electrode inserted in the US is not (always) the one used in
Europe for STN stimulation.  Because the STN electrode is NOT aopproved by
the FDA in the USA, neurosurgeons use the electrodes for THALAMIC
stimulation, which is  almost twice as big and less useful for STN because
most of the electrodepoles are located OUTSIDE the STN (more side effects?).
Those who had STN stimulation or will have STN stimulation in the USA should
ask their surgeon which electrode was or will be implanted.  For those
interested I can give the nomenclature number from Medtronic for each
electrode.

Greetings,

Chris van der Linden, M.D.