What should be done with excess lead before placing the IPG in the pocket?

Before placing the implantable pulse generator (IPG) in the pocket, handling excess lead is important to ensure proper placement and functionality. Curling the excess lead and placing it behind the IPG serves a practical purpose. This method helps manage the lead's length, preventing any undue tension or stress on the connections and ensuring that the leads don't become pinched or kinked when the IPG is positioned.

Additionally, curling the lead creates a more organized arrangement within the pocket, maintaining better stability for the device. This approach also reduces the risk of irritation to surrounding tissues and allows for easier accessibility or adjustments in the future if needed.

The other options, such as cutting the lead, leaving it loose, or securing it with tape, pose potential risks. Cutting the lead could lead to complications if additional length is needed later, leaving it loose may increase the chances of lead migration, and securing it with tape could create a bulky, less secure environment for the IPG. Thus, curling the excess lead is the most effective strategy to ensure that the IPG is both secure and functional within the pocket.