However, it does lessen nausea, vomiting and pain, and that significantly improves the quality of life. The pacemaker is implanted on the outer edge of the stomach. From there, they measure 10 cm up and sew in two electrodes. They then create a pocket in the subcutaneous tissue next to the electrodes. After attaching the ends of the electrodes to a tiny generator and running a test to make sure they are conducting properly, the surgeons place the generator inside the pocket and sew it closed.
Patient improvement is usually noticeable within six months to one year after surgery.
So far, Barnes and Granger have laparoscopically implanted six stomach pacemakers in Arkansas. They have also been teaching this procedure to surgeons from other medical centers throughout the United States, including those at Harvard University and the University of Michigan. In fact, UAMS Medical Center is one of only two facilities in the country offering surgeons educational courses in this particular technique. There are also voice-activated, computerized room systems to regulate the lighting, temperature, operating table and telephones.