Intrathecal Pain Pump

What is an Intrathecal Pain Pump?

An intrathecal pain pump is a medical device implanted under the skin that delivers pain medication directly into the intrathecal space around the spinal cord. This allows for targeted pain relief using significantly lower doses of medication compared to oral or systemic administration.

What are the benefits of an Intrathecal Pain Pump?

An intrathecal pain pump refers to a method of delivering medication directly to the spinal cord via a small, pump-like implant. By releasing medication directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord, patients may experience faster relief and fewer or more tolerable drug side effects.

Common Indications:
– Chronic Pain Syndromes Refractory to Conservative Therapy
Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Severe neuropathic pain unresponsive to systemic meds
– Cancer-Related Pain
Severe, opioid-resistant malignancy-related pain
Intolerable side effects from systemic opioids

How does an Intrathecal Pain Pump work?

The first step to determine your eligibility to receive an intrathecal pain pump is to perform a trial period. This period is designed to test if the medication indeed decreases pain levels before inserting the device.

The pump is a metal device roughly the size of a hockey puck. The system consists of a pump and catheter, both of which are surgically placed under the skin. The pump is a round device that stores and delivers pain medication, and is placed in your abdomen. The catheter is inserted into your spine and connected to the pump. The device is programmable to deliver medication over a specified time slowly. It can also be configured to release different amounts of drugs at various times of the day. The pump stores information about your prescription and can be refillable.

How to prepare for an Intrathecal Pain Pump?

The first step to determine your eligibility to receive a kyphoplasty is to perform a thorough physical examination and carefully consider your medical and family history.

-Blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, Plavix, Eliquis, warfarin):
You will need to stop them before the procedure to reduce bleeding risk. Only do this under medical supervision.
– Medical Clearance (if needed)
If you have heart conditions, bleeding disorders, or infections, your provider may require clearance from your primary doctor or specialist.

What to expect after the procedure?

Intrathecal pain pumps are implanted via a surgical procedure, if the trial is successful. A small incision is created to insert the catheter in the intrathecal space surrounding the spinal cord. A catheter extension is then passed through the skin and into the abdomen area, where the pump will be implanted. It is usually performed in under 90 minutes with the patient’s ability to go home the same day after a short recovery period.