Intrathecal Pain Pump

An intrathecal pump, also known as an intrathecal pain pump or spinal drug delivery system, is an implantable device that delivers medication directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. This targeted drug delivery allows for effective pain control using significantly lower doses than oral medications.

Intrathecal pumps are commonly used for severe chronic pain and spasticity that have not responded to conservative treatments.

What Is an Intrathecal Pump?

An intrathecal pump system consists of:

  1. A small programmable pump implanted under the skin of the abdomen
  2. A catheter that delivers medication into the intrathecal space surrounding the spinal cord
  3. A reservoir within the pump that stores the medication

The pump is electronically programmed to release precise doses of medication at scheduled intervals throughout the day. Because the medication is delivered directly to the spinal cord, less than 1% of the typical oral dose is often required.

When the reservoir becomes empty, it is refilled in the office by inserting a needle through the skin into the pump’s refill port.

Conditions Treated

Intrathecal pumps are effective for managing:

  1. Failed back surgery syndrome
  2. Chronic cancer pain
  3. Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  4. Causalgia
  5. Arachnoiditis
  6. Chronic pancreatitis
  7. Severe neuropathic pain

The system provides continuous, controlled pain relief for patients with refractory pain conditions.

Who Is a Candidate for an Intrathecal Pump?

A patient may be considered a candidate if:

  1. Conservative therapies have failed
  2. Additional spine surgery is unlikely to provide benefit
  3. Chronic pain requires high-dose opioid medication
  4. Systemic side effects from oral medications are intolerable
  5. Severe spasticity is not controlled with oral therapy

A comprehensive evaluation, including psychological assessment and trial testing, is typically performed before permanent implantation.

Table of Contents

How the Procedure Is Performed

Intrathecal pump placement is a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia.

The procedure includes:

  1. Administration of anesthesia by a board-certified anesthesiologist
  2. Placement of a catheter into the intrathecal space of the spine
  3. Placement of an extension catheter under the skin
  4. Implantation of the pump in the abdomen
  5. Connection of the pump to the catheter system
  6. Closure of incisions and application of dressings

Most patients are discharged after recovery from anesthesia.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes less than 30 minutes.

Benefits of Intrathecal Drug Delivery

  • Targeted medication delivery to the spinal cord
  • Dramatically reduced medication dosage
  • Fewer systemic side effects compared to oral opioids
  • Improved pain control
  • Adjustable and programmable dosing
  • Decreased need for systemic pain medications
  • Reversible and refillable system

Begin your journey to recovery.

Reach out to our specialists to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll carefully review your symptoms and match you with the right expert for your specific condition.

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